Periodontal treatment system and method

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatuses for treating a root canal in a tooth or hard and/or soft tissue within a tooth and surrounding tissues by pulsing a laser light into a reservoir, preferably after introducing liquid fluid into the reservoir, so as to disintegrate, separate, or otherwise neutralize pulp, plaque, calculus, and/or bacteria within and adjacent the fluid reservoir without elevating the temperature of any of the dentin, tooth, bones, gums, other soft tissues, other hard tissues, and any other adjacent tissue more than about 5° C.

CROSS-REFERENCE(S) TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation of a pending application Ser. No. 13/842,261 entitled “Periodontal Treatment System and Method,” filed Mar. 15, 2013; which is a continuation-in part of pending application Ser. No. 13/633,096 entitled “Dental and Medical Treatments and Procedures,” filed on Oct. 1, 2012; which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 13/185,193 entitled “Periodontal Treatment System and Method,” filed Oct. 1, 2012; which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 7,980,854 entitled “Dental and Medical Treatments and Procedures”, issued Jul. 19, 2011; which is a continuation in part of application Ser. No. 11/704,655 entitled “Laser Based Enhanced Generation of Photoacoustic Pressure Waves in Dental and Medical Treatments and Procedures,” filed Feb. 9, 2007; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,980,854 entitled “Dental and Medical Treatments and Procedures”, issued Jul. 19, 2011 is also a continuation in part of application Ser. No. 11/895,404 entitled “Energetically Activated Biomedical Nanotheurapeutics Integrating Dental and Medical Treatments and Procedures,” filed on Aug. 24, 2007, all of which claim priority to provisional application Ser. No. 60/840,282 entitled “Biomedically Active Nanotheurapeutics Integrating Dental and Medical Treatments and Procedures,” filed on Aug. 24, 2006.

Also, pending application Ser. No. 13/842,261 entitled ““Periodontal Treatment System and Method,” filed Mar. 15, 2013 is also a continuation-in-part of pending U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/172,279 entitled “Dental and Medical Treatments and Procedures,” filed on Apr. 24, 2009. All of the above-listed applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the use of laser light and other energy sources in the field of dentistry, medicine and veterinary medicine to perform endodontic, periodontic, and other dental and medical procedures.

BACKGROUND

Recent advances in the fields of dentistry, medicine, and veterinary medicine necessitate functional and efficient implementation of therapies during exploratory and restructuring procedures. Of specific interest is the arena of dental root canals and periodontics.

When performing root canal procedures it is desirable to efficiently debride or render harmless all tissue, bacteria, and/or viruses within the root canal system. The root canal system includes the main root canal and all of the accessory or lateral canals that branch off of the main canal. Some of these accessory canals are very small and extremely difficult to reach in order to eliminate any bacteria and/or viruses. Such accessory canals may bend, twist, change cross-section and/or become long and small as they branch off from the main canal, making them very difficult to access or target therapeutically.

An accepted dental procedure is to mechanically pull out the main canal nerve thereby separating it from the accessory canal nerves (which stay in place) then filing out the main canal with a tapered file. This action leaves an undesirable smear layer along the main canal and can plug some of the accessory canal openings, which potentially trap harmful bacteria or other harmful maladies. This is very undesirable. The dentist must chemo-mechanically debride both main and accessory canals, including the smear layer produced by the filing. Often this is done with a sodium hypochlorite solution and various other medicaments that are left in the root canal system for 30 to 45 minutes. This current methodology does not necessarily debride or render harmless all of the accessory root canals because of the difficulty in first cleaning off the smear layer then negotiating some of the smaller twisted lateral canals. As a result many treatments using this method fail over time due to reoccurring pathology. This often requires retreatment and/or sometimes loss of the tooth.

A goal of common root canal procedures is to provide a cavity, which is substantially free of diseased tissue and antiseptically prepared for a permanent embalming or obturation to seal off the area. When done properly, this step enables subsequent substantially complete filling of the canal with biologically inert or restorative material (i.e., obturation) without entrapping noxious tissue in the canal that could lead to failure of the therapy.

In a typical root canal procedure, the sequence is extirpation of diseased tissue and debris from and adjacent the canal followed by obturation. Often there is an intermediate filling of the canal with a calcium hydroxide paste for sterilization and reduction of inflammation prior to obturation and final crowning. In performing the extirpation procedure, the dentist must gain access to the entire canal, shaping it as appropriate. However, root canals often are very small in diameter, and they are sometimes quite curved with irregular dimensions and configurations. It is therefore often very difficult to gain access to the full length of the canal and to properly work all surfaces of the canal wall.

Many tools have been designed to perform the difficult task of cleaning and shaping root canals. Historically, dentists have used elongate, tapered endodontic files with helical cutting edges to remove the soft and hard material from within and adjacent the root canal area. Such root canal dental procedures often result in overly aggressive drilling and filing away of otherwise healthy dentin wall or physical structure of the tooth root, thereby unduly weakening the integrity or strength of the tooth. Additionally, when performing root canal procedures, it is desirable to efficiently debride or render harmless all dead, damaged, or infected tissue and to kill all bacteria, viruses and/or other undesirable biological material within the root canal system. Illustrations of a typical root canal system are shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The root canal system includes the main root canal 1 and many lateral or accessory canals 3 that branch off of the main canal 1, all of which can contain diseased or dead tissue, bacteria, etc. It is common during root canal procedure to mechanically strip out the main canal nerve, often tearing it away from the lateral canal nerves, much of which can then stay in place in the canal and become the source of later trouble. Thereafter, the main canal 1 is cleaned and extirpated with a tapered file. While it is desirable to extirpate all of the main and accessory canals in a root canal system, some of the lateral canals 3 are very small and extremely difficult to reach in order to remove tissue. Such lateral canals are often perpendicular to the main canal and may bend, twist, and change cross-section as they branch off from the main canal, making them practically inaccessible to extirpation with any known file or other mechanical device. Accordingly, lateral canals are often not properly extirpated or cleaned. Many times no effort is made in this regard, relying instead on chemical destruction and embalming processes to seal off material remaining in these areas. This approach is sometimes a source of catastrophic failure that can lead to loss of the tooth and other problems. Further, when the main canal is extirpated with a tapered file, this action can leave an undesirable smear layer along the main canal, which can plug some of the lateral canal openings and cause other problems that trap noxious material against later efforts to chemically disinfect the canal.

Dentists can attempt to chemo-mechanically debride and/or sterilize both main and lateral canals using a sodium hypochlorite solution or various other medicaments that are left in the root canal system for 30 to 45 minutes a time following primary mechanical extirpation of nerve and pulp tissue. However, this approach does not necessarily completely debride or render harmless all of the lateral root canals and material trapped therein because of the difficulty in cleaning off the smear layer and/or negotiating and fully wetting the solution into some of the smaller twisted lateral canals. As a result, many treatments using this method fail over time due to reoccurring pathology. This often requires retreatment and sometimes loss of the tooth.

Attempts have been made to reduce or eliminate the use of endodontic files and associated drawbacks by using lasers in the performance of root canal therapy. Some of these approaches involve burning away or carbonizing diseased and other tissue, bacteria, and the like within the canal. In these approaches, laser light is said to be directed or focused into or onto the diseased tissue, producing very high temperatures that intensely burn, carbonize, ablate, and destroy the tissue. These ablative treatments using high thermal energy to remove tissue often result in damage to the underlying collagen fibers and dentin of the root 5, even fusing the hydroxyapatite, which makes up the dentin. In some cases, such treatments can cause substantial heating of the periodontal material and bone 7 surrounding the tooth, potentially causing necrosis of the bone and surrounding tissue. Additionally, the high temperatures in such treatments can melt the walls of the main canal, often sealing off lateral canals, thereby preventing subsequent treatment of lateral canals. Other attempts to use lasers for root canal therapy have focused laser light to a focal point within fluid disposed within a root canal to boil the fluid. The vaporizing fluid creates bubbles, which erode material from the root canal when they implode. Such treatments which must raise the fluid temperature above the latent heat of vaporization significantly elevate the temperature of the fluid which can also melt portions of the main canal and cause thermal damage to the underlying dentin, collagen, and periodontal tissue. The damage caused to the tooth structure by these high-energy ablative laser treatments weakens the integrity or strength of the tooth, similar to endodontic treatment utilizing endodontic files.

In addition to the repair of teeth through endodontic procedures, periodontal conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis have also been treated using techniques that cause unnecessary damage to gums and tooth structure. For example, scraping techniques using dental instruments that directly remove plaque and calculus from teeth and adjacent sulcus region often remove healthy gum tissue, healthy tooth enamel, and/or cementum which are necessary for strong attachment between tooth and gum.

Therefore, there is a present and continuing need for minimally invasive, biomemetic, dental and medical therapies which remove diseased tissue and bacteria from the main root canal as well as the lateral canals of the root canal system while leaving the biological structures undamaged and substantially intact. There is also a present and continuing need for minimally invasive, biomemetic, dental and medical therapies which remove diseased tissue, plaque (including bacteria), and calculus (including bacteria) from the gums, sulcus regions, and other spaces near or between gums and teeth while leaving adjacent structures and biological cells substantially undamaged and substantially intact.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to provide new medical, dental and veterinary devices, treatments and procedures.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method for treating a treatment zone including one or more teeth, tissue adjacent such tooth or teeth, and a treatment pocket is provided. The method preferably comprises the steps of (A) providing a laser system containing a source of a laser light beam and an elongate optical fiber connected to said source and configured to transmit said laser light beam to a tip thereof, (B) immersing at least a portion of a tip of a light beam producing apparatus into a fluid reservoir located in the treatment pocket, the fluid reservoir holding a first fluid; and (C) pulsing the laser light source at a first setting, wherein at least a substantial portion of any contaminants located in or adjacent the treatment pocket are destroyed or otherwise disintegrated into fragmented material in admixture in and with the first fluid, thereby forming a first fluid mixture, wherein the destruction or disintegration of a substantial portion of any contaminants located in or adjacent the treatment pocket using the laser light source is accomplished without generation of any significant heat in the first fluid or associated mixture so as to avoid elevating the temperature of any gum, tooth, or other adjacent tissue more than about 5° C. In one embodiment, the first setting of step (C) further comprises an energy level of from about 2.0 W to about 4.0 W, a pulse width of from about 50 )..l.S to about 300 )..l.S, and a pulse frequency of from about 2 Hz to about 50 Hz. In another embodiment, the first setting of step (C) further comprises a power level of from about 10 mJ to about 100 mJ, a pulse width of from about 50 )..l.S to about 300 )..l.S, and a pulse frequency of from about 2 Hz to about 50 Hz. In yet another embodiment, step (B) further comprises the step of introducing the first fluid into the treatment pocket in an amount sufficient to provide a fluid reservoir and step (C) further comprises removing substantially all of the first fluid mixture from the treatment pocket. Preferably, step (C) further comprises destroying or otherwise disintegrating a substantial portion of any contaminants located in or adjacent the treatment pocket using the laser without generation of any significant heat in the first fluid so as to avoid elevating the temperature of any gum, tooth, or other adjacent tissue more than about 3° C.

In a related embodiment, step (C) further comprises the substeps of (1) removing calculus deposits in or proximate the treatment pocket by pulsing the light source at an energy level of from about 10 mJ to about 100 mJ and at a pulse width of from about 50 )..l.S to about 300 )..l.S, at a pulse frequency of from about 2 Hz to about 50 Hz, and moving an optical fiber used to channel the pulsed light beam in a first pattern, wherein the optical fiber includes a thickness of from about 400 microns to about 1000 microns, and wherein a substantial portion of any calculus deposits located in or proximate the treatment pocket are disintegrated into fragmented material in admixture in and with the first fluid mixture, thereby forming a second fluid mixture; and (2) optionally repeating step (C)(1) up to about six repetitions to remove substantially all calculus deposits from the treatment pocket. Step (C) may further comprise the substep of (3) modifying the surface of dentin proximate the treatment pocket by pulsing the light beam producing apparatus at a energy level of from about 0.2 W to about 4 W, a pulse width of from about 50 )..l.S to about 300 )..l.S, and a pulse frequency of from about 2 Hz to about 50 Hz, and moving the optical fiber in a third pattern, wherein the optical fiber includes a thickness of from about 400 microns to about 1000 microns, and wherein the tip of the laser substantially remains in contact with the tooth during pulsing and wherein the tip of the laser is maintained substantially parallel to a root of an adjacent tooth during pulsing.

In a related embodiment step (C)(3) further comprises removing remaining diseased epithelial lining to a point substantially at the base of the pocket prior to modifying the surface of the dentin by pulsing the light beam producing apparatus at the first setting wherein the first setting comprises settings selected from the group including (a) a power level of from about 10 mJ to about 100 mJ, a pulse width of from about 50 )..l.S to about 300 )..l.S, and a pulse frequency of from about 2 Hz to about 50 Hz; or (b) an energy level of from about 0.2 W to about 4.0 Wand a continuous wave setting; wherein the optical fiber has a thickness ranging from about 400 microns to about 1000 microns. Additionally or alternatively, the method may further include the step of (C)(4) removing substantially all remaining diseased epithelial lining to a point substantially at the base of the pocket by pulsing the light beam producing apparatus at an energy level of from about 2.0 W to about 3.0 W, a pulse width of from about 50 )..l.S to about 150 )..l.S, and a pulse frequency of from about 2 Hz to about 50 Hz, and wherein the optical fiber includes a thickness of from about 300 microns to about 1000 microns.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of (D) inducing a fibrin clot by inserting the optical fiber to about 75% the depth of the pocket, pulsing the light beam producing apparatus at an energy level of from about 3.0 W to about 4.0 W, a pulse width of from about 600 )..l.S to about 700 )..l.S (LP), and a pulse frequency of from about 15 Hz to about 20 Hz, and wherein the optical fiber has a diameter of from about 300 microns to about 600 microns, and, for a period of about 5 seconds to about 60 seconds, moving the optical fiber in a curved motion while slowly drawing out the optical fiber. Alternatively or additionally, the method further includes the step of (E) placing a stabilizing treatment structure substantially on one or more locations treated by the light beam producing apparatus.

In yet another embodiment, step (C)(4) occurs before step (C)(3). In this embodiment, a further step may include, for example, the additional step of (D) dissecting fibrous attachment between bone tissue and periodontal tissue along a bony defect at the base of the pocket by pulsing the light beam producing apparatus at an energy level of from about 0.2 W to about 4.0 W, a pulse width of from about 50 )..l.S to about 600 )..l.S, and a pulse frequency of from about 2 Hz to about 50 Hz, and wherein the optical fiber has a diameter of from about 400 microns to about 1000 microns. This embodiment, for example, may further include the step of (E) penetrating the cortical tissue of the bony defect adjacent the pocket to a depth of about 1 mm into the cortical tissue to form one or more perforations. This embodiment, for example, may further include the step of (F) inducing a fibrin clot by inserting the optical fiber to about 75% the depth of the pocket, pulsing the light beam producing apparatus at an energy level of from about 3.0 W to about 4.0 W, a pulse width of from about 600 )..l.S to about 700 )..l.S (LP), and a pulse frequency of from about 15 Hz to about 20 Hz, and wherein the optical fiber has a diameter of from about 300 microns to about 600 microns, and, for a period of about 5 seconds to about 60 seconds, moving the optical fiber in a curved motion while slowly drawing out the optical fiber. This embodiment, for example, may further include the step of (G) placing a stabilizing treatment structure substantially on one or more locations treated by the light beam producing apparatus.

In an alternative embodiment, step (C) further comprises the substeps of (1) removing at least a portion of the epithelial layer of a treatment zone by pulsing the light beam producing apparatus at the first setting wherein the first setting comprises settings selected from the group consisting of (a) a power level of from about 10 mJ to about 200 mJ, a pulse width of from about 50 )..l.S to about 300 )..l.S, and a pulse frequency of from about 2 Hz to about 50 Hz, (b) an energy level of from about 0.2 W to about 4.0 W, a pulse width of from about 50 )..l.S to about 150 )..l.S, and a frequency of from about 10 Hz to about 50 Hz, (c) an energy level of from about 0.4 W to about 4.0 W and a continuous wave setting, and moving an optical fiber used to channel the pulsed light beam in a first pattern, wherein the optical fiber has a diameter of from about 300 microns to about 1000 microns, and wherein a substantial portion of any diseased epithelial tissue located in or adjacent the epithelial layer are destroyed or otherwise disintegrated into fragmented material in admixture in and with the first fluid, thereby forming a second fluid mixture; (2) removing calculus deposits in or proximate the treatment pocket by pulsing the light beam producing apparatus at an energy level of from about 10 mJ to about 100 mJ and at a pulse width of from about 50 )..l.S to about 300 )..l.S, at a pulse frequency of from about 2 Hz to about 50 Hz, and moving the optical fiber in a second pattern, wherein the optical fiber has a diameter of from about 400 microns to about 1200 microns, and wherein a substantial portion of any calculus deposits located in or proximate the treatment pocket are disintegrated into fragmented material in admixture in and with the second fluid mixture, thereby forming a third fluid mixture; and (3) optionally repeating step (C)(2) up to about six repetitions to remove substantially all calculus deposits from the treatment pocket.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a light energy system for treating periodontal tissue is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the light energy system comprises a light source for emitting a light beam and an elongate optical fiber connected adjacent the light source configured to transmit the light beam to a tip of the optical fiber, the tip containing a tapered configuration extending to an apex with a surrounding substantially conical wall, substantially the entire surface of which is uncovered so that the light beam is emitted therefrom in a first pattern during activation of the light energy system light beam, wherein the optical fiber contains cladding in the form of a continuous sheath coating extending from a first location along optical fiber to a terminus edge spaced proximally from the apex of the tapered tip toward the light source by a distance of from about 0 mm to about 10 mm so that the surface of the optical fiber is uncovered over substantially the entirety of the tapered tip and over any part of an outer surface of the optical fiber between the terminus edge and a first edge of the tapered tip. In one embodiment, the light energy system comprises a light beam including a substantially omnidirectional pattern. In a related embodiment, the light energy system further comprises a laser beam.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, appended claims, and accompanying figures, wherein elements are not to scale so as to more clearly show the details, wherein like reference numbers indicate like elements throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIGS. 1a and 1b illustrate a root canal system including a main or primary root canal and lateral and sub-lateral canals that branch off of the main canal. Some of these lateral canals are very small and extremely difficult to reach in order to eliminate any bacteria and/or viruses. Such lateral canals may bend, twist, change cross-section and/or become long and small as they branch off from the main canal, making them very difficult to access or target therapeutically.

FIG. 2 is a Scanning Electron Micrograph (SEM) clearly illustrating internal reticular canal wall surfaces following use of the present invention which, as can be seen, are preserved with no burning, melting, or other alteration of the canal wall structure or loss of its porosity after subtraction of the internal tissue. The surfaces retain high porosity and surface area and are disinfected for subsequent filling and embalming, i.e. using rubber, gutta-percha, latex, resin, etc.

FIG. 3 is a graphical illustration of features of a laser fiber tip configured according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a graphical illustration of a laser system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a graphical illustration of an applicator tip of a laser system according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 shows a somewhat schematic cutaway view of a tooth and healthy surrounding gum tissue.

FIG. 7 shows a somewhat schematic cutaway view of a tooth and surrounding gum tissue including calculus deposits and partially diseased epithelium.

FIG. 8 shows a somewhat schematic cutaway view of a tooth and surrounding gum tissue including a sulcus filled with a fluid mixture in which an instrument has been inserted for treatment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain embodiments of the present invention are useful for treating dental, medical, and veterinary problems; primarily dental surface preparations. The present invention uses enhanced photoacoustic wave generation in dental, medical, and veterinary application during procedures that otherwise face reoccurring infection, inefficient performance and at an increase in expenses. The result of this invention has the potential to increase the effective cleaning of the root canal and accessory canals and the potential to reduce future failures over time.

A preferred embodiment utilizes an energy source which is preferably a pulsed laser energy that is coupled to a solution in such a fashion that it produces an enhanced photoacoustic pressure wave. The laser light is delivered using a commercially available laser source 10 and an optical fiber 15 attached at a proximate end to the laser source 10 and which has an application tip 20 at the distal end. The application tip 20 may be flat or blunt, but is preferably a beveled or tapered tip having a taper angle 22 between 10 and 90 degrees. Preferably any cladding 24 on the optic fiber is stripped from approximately 2-12 mm of the distal end. The taper angle of the fiber tip 20 and removal of the cladding provide wider dispersion of the laser energy over a larger tip area and consequently produces a larger photoacoustic wave. The most preferred embodiment of the application tip includes a texturing 26 or derivatization of the beveled tip, thereby increasing the efficacy of the conversion of the laser energy into photoacoustic wave energy within the solution. It should be noted that this tapered tip, the surface treatment, and the sheath stripping is not for the purpose of diffusing or refracting the laser light so that it laterally transmits radiant optical light energy to the root surface. In the current invention these features are for the sole purpose of increasing the photoacoustic wave.

Herein derivatization means a technique used in chemistry that bonds, either covalently or non-covalently, inorganic or organic chemical functional group to a substrate surface.

It was found that the photoacoustic coupling of the laser energy to the solution provides enhanced penetration of the solution into the root canal and accessory canals, thereby allowing the solution to reach areas of the canal system that are not typically accessible.

The photoacoustic (PA) wave is generated when the laser energy transitions from the tip (usually quartz or similar material) of the laser device into the fluid (such as water, EDTA, or the like). The transmission from one medium to another is not 100% efficient and some of the light energy is turned into heat near the transition that the light makes from one media to the other. This heating is very rapid, locally heating some of the molecules of the fluid very rapidly, resulting in molecule expansion and generating the photoacoustic wave. In a pulsed laser, a wave is generated each time the laser is turned on, which is once per cycle. A 10 Hz pulsed laser then generates 10 waves per second. If the power level remains constant, the lower the pulse rate, the greater the laser energy per pulse and consequently the greater the photoacoustic wave per pulse.

A method and apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention uses a subablative energy source, preferably a pulsing laser, to produce photoacoustic energy waves in solutions dispensed in a root canal of a tooth and/or sulcus adjacent such tooth to effectively clean the root canal and lateral canals and/or tissue adjacent the tooth and exterior tooth structure. In the context of this application, the term “subablative” is used to refer to a process or mechanism which does not produce or cause thermal energy-induced destruction of nerve or other native tooth structure, material or tissue, namely, that does not carbonize, burn, or thermally melt any tooth material. The pulsing laser in the inventive configuration of a preferred embodiment induces oscillating photoacoustic energy waves which emanate generally omnidirectionally from adjacent the exposed length of an applicator tip where light energy is caused to exit the surface of optical fiber material in many directions/orientations into adjacent fluid medium from a light energy source maintained at a relatively low power setting of from about 0.1 to no more than about 1.5 watts for endodontic treatment and from about 0.4 watts to about 4.0 watts for periodontal treatment in order to avoid any ablative effects.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a tooth is first prepared for treatment in a conventional manner by drilling a coronal access opening in the crown of the tooth to access the coronal or pulp chamber and associated root canal. This may be performed with a carbide or diamond bur or other standard approaches for preparation of a tooth for root canal treatment known in endodontic practice after which the upper region above the entry of the canal into the chamber is generally emptied of pulp and other tissue. Thereafter, a first solution is slowly dispensed into the chamber, such as by use of a syringe or other appropriate mechanisms, with a small amount seeping and/or injected down into the individual root canals containing the as-yet unremoved nerves and other tissue. The first solution is preferably dispensed in an amount sufficient to fill the chamber to adjacent the top of the chamber. In other embodiments, portions of the nerve and other tissue in the canals may be removed using a broach or other known methods for removing a nerve from a root canal before the first solution is dispensed into the chamber and down into the root canals. In some embodiments, only a single solution may be used, although multiple solutions or mixtures may also be used as explained in more detail below.

The first solution preferably includes a compound containing molecules with at least one hydroxyl functional group and/or other excitable functional groups which are susceptible to excitation by a laser or other energy source in the form of rapidly oscillating photoacoustic waves of energy to assist with destructive subablative disintegration of root canal nerve tissue. It has been observed that certain fluids which do not contain excitable groups, such as xylene, do not appear to produce the desired photoacoustic wave when an energy source has been applied. In one embodiment of the invention, the first solution is a standard dental irrigant mixture, such as a solution of water and ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), containing hydroxyl or other excitable groups. In other embodiments of the invention, the hydroxyl-containing solution may be distilled water alone. In other alternate embodiments, solutions containing fluids other than water may be used, or various pastes, perborates, alcohols, foams, chemistry-based architectures (e.g. nanotubes, hollow spheres) and/or gels or a combination of the like may be used. Additionally, various other additives may be included in the solution. For example, and not by way of limitation, the first solution may include agents energizable by exposure to energy waves propagated through the solution from adjacent the fiber. These include materials selected from the group consisting of hydrogen peroxide, urea hydrogen peroxide, perborates, hypochlorites, or other oxidizing agents and combinations thereof. Additional additives believed to be energizable in the solution include materials selected from the group consisting of reducing agents, silanols, silanating agents, chelating agents, chelating agents coordinated or complexed with metals (such as EDTA-Calcium), anti-oxidants, sources of oxygen, sensitizing agents, catalytic agents, magnetic agents and rapidly expanding chemical, pressure or phase change agents and/or combinations of the like. The solution may also include dispersions or mixtures of particles containing nano- or micro-structures, preferably in the nature of fullerenes, such as nanotubes or bucky balls, or other nanodevices (including micro-sized devices) capable of sensitizing or co-acting with oxygenating, energizable, or activatable components in the solution/mixture, such as oxidative bleaching or other oxygenated agents. Various catalytic agents may be titanium oxide or other similar inorganic agents or metals. The first solution may also include additional effective ingredients such as surfactants or surface active agents to reduce or otherwise modify the surface tension of the solution. Such surface active agents may be used to enhance lubrication between the nerves and other intracanal tissue and the canals wall, as well as antibiotics; stabilizers; antiseptics; anti-virals; germicidals; and polar or non-polar solvents; and the like. It is especially preferred that all materials used in the system be bio-compatible and FDA and otherwise approved, as necessary, for use in dental procedures. The amounts of any of the foregoing and other additives are generally very small in the order of a few percent by weight or only small fractions of percents. The majority of the solution/mixture is preferably water, preferably sterile triple distilled water for avoidance of undesirable or unaccounted for ionic effects.

An activating energy source is applied to the first solution contained in the coronal pulp chamber. In a preferred embodiment, the activating energy source is a pulsing laser 10. The laser light energy 16 is delivered using a laser source 12 and an optical fiber 14 attached at its proximate end to a laser source 12 and having an applicator tip 20 adjacent its distal end. The optical fiber 14 preferably has a diameter of from about 200 microns to about 400 microns. The diameter should be small enough to easily fit into the coronal pulp chamber and, if necessary, into a root canal itself, but large enough to provide sufficient energy via light carried therein to create a photoacoustic effect and to prevent avoidable leakage of light or loss of energy and damage to the tooth or the fiber tip. In a preferred embodiment, the laser source is a solid state laser having a wavelength of from about 700 nm to about 3000 nm, such as NdYAG, ErYAG, HoYag, NdYLF, Ti Sapphire, or ErCrYSGG laser. However, other suitable lasers sources may be used in various embodiments.

An appropriately dimensioned laser applicator tip 20 is preferably placed into the coronal chamber until it is at least fully immersed in the first solution. By “fully immersed” it is meant liquid level is even with the edge of the cladding or other covering on the optical fiber 18. Preferably, the distal most edge of any cladding or covering 18 on the optical fiber 18 adjacent the tip is spaced approximately 2-10 mm from the distal end of the distal end tip or end of the optical fiber, most preferably about 5 mm therefrom. As a result, up to about 10 mm and most preferably about 5 mm of the distal end of the optical fiber is uncovered. In other embodiments, however, the distal most edge of any cladding or covering 18 on the optical fiber adjacent the tip is substantially at the distal end of the distal end tip or end of the optical fiber. Preferably, all or substantially all of the length of this uncovered part of the tip end is immersed. If the uncovered part of the applicator tip is not fully immersed, sufficient energy may not be transferred to the fluid since light will be permitted to escape to the environment above the liquid surface. Accordingly, it is believed that spacing the distal-most or outermost end edge of the cladding more than about 10 mm should be avoided, as that can diminish the effectiveness of the system. In some applications, it may be necessary to provide a dam and reservoir around and above the opening in the tooth in order to increase the volume and level of fluid available for immersion of the uncovered area of the end of the optical fiber. The larger liquid volume and deeper immersion of the uncovered area of the tip end is believed to enable application of sufficient energy levels to produce the desired photoacoustic wave intensity in such instances. Such instances may include, for example, smaller teeth such as upper/lower centrals or teeth that are fractured off. In certain applications where a dam or reservoir is used it may be desirable to use a laser tip with more than 10 mm of space between the tip end and the cladding due to the larger volume of fluid.

It is a feature of the invention in a preferred embodiment that the distal-most end of the applicator tip be tapered to an end point, i.e. that the distal end have a “tapered tip” 22. Most preferably, the tapered tip has an included taper angle of from about 25 to about 40 degrees. The applicator tip 20 is therefore preferably not a focusing lens configured to concentrate light to a point in space away from the tip end. Such a configuration is believed to cause an ablative effect due to the high thermal energy created by the laser light focused to a point. Rather, the taper angle of the tapered fiber tip 22 and rearward spacing of the end of the cladding from the tip end in accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention are believed to enable a relatively wide dispersion of the laser energy for emission from a relatively large surface area of the tip all the way back to the edge of the cladding, not merely from the end of the laser fiber. An objective is to emit laser light generally omnidirectionally from the sides 24 and from the tapered area 22 of the tapered applicator tip, and consequently, to produce a larger or more omnidirectional photoacoustic wave propagating into surrounding liquid and adjacent material from substantially the entire exposed surface of the fiber optic quartz material. Among other things, this avoids and preferably eliminates any ablative effects associated with higher levels of focused or refracted radiant laser energy. The tip design in accordance with the invention is selected to provide a magnitude and direction of the photoacoustic wave in the surrounding fluid medium that exhibits a relatively sharp or high rise time at the leading edge of each pulse and which propagates through the fluid generally omnidirectionally from the exposed area of the end of the fiber. Accordingly, a tapered tip according to the invention has the effect of dispersing the laser energy over the larger uncovered cone surface area and the rearwardly extending cylindrical wall surface (compared to a two dimensional generally flat circular surface area of a standard tip), thereby creating a much larger area through which the leading edges of the successive photoacoustic waves can propagate. In some embodiments, the exposed area of the fiber adjacent the tip end may include a texturing, such as frosting or etching, to increase the surface area and angular diversity of light emission for an even more comprehensive coverage of the photoacoustic wave energy within the solution and adjacent tissue.

When applying the laser to the first solution, applicants have discovered that it may be important to apply the laser energy to the solution so as to limit the creation of thermal energy. In the present invention, after the applicator tip is immersed in the first solution, laser energy is preferably applied to the first solution using subablative threshold settings, thereby avoiding any thermal-induced carbonization, melting, or other effects caused by a temperature rise above about 5° C. in the dentin walls of the canal, apical portions of the tooth, or surrounding bone or tissue caused by the generation of significant thermal energy in the canal area or wall due to the ablative power settings used in prior attempts to perform root canal therapy with lasers. The practice of the present invention in accordance with its preferred embodiments causes an observable temperature rise in the solution of no more than a few degrees Centigrade and, as a result, no more than a few degrees Centigrade elevation, if any, of the dentin wall and other adjacent tooth structure and tissue. This is far below the standard constraint of avoiding any exposure of such material and tissue to more than 5° C. increase in temperature for any significant period of time to avoid permanent damage in the same.

The inventors have found that relatively low power settings of from about 0.1 watt to about 1.5 watt and with a laser pulse duration of from about 100 nanoseconds to about 1000 microseconds, with a pulse length of about 50 microseconds most preferred, produces the desired photoacoustic effect without heating the fluid or surrounding tissue to produce any ablative or other thermal effect within or adjacent the root canal. A frequency of from about 5 to 25 Hz is preferred and a frequency of about 15 Hz is believed to provide optimal potentiation of harmonic oscillation of pressure waves in the fluid medium to disintegrate nerve and other tissue within the canal.

With regard to periodontal embodiments, the inventors have found that relatively low power settings of from about 0.4 watts (W) to about 4.0 W and with a laser pulse duration of from about 100 nanoseconds to about 1000 microseconds ( )ls), with a pulse length of from about 50 )lS to about 650 )lS most preferred, produces the desired photoacoustic effects without heating fluid located in the sulcus or surrounding tissue to produce any ablative or other thermal effect within or adjacent the sulcus. Typically, a frequency of from about 15 hertz (Hz) to about 25 Hz is preferred and a frequency of about 2 Hz to about 50 Hz is believed to provide optimal potentiation of harmonic oscillation of pressure waves in a fluid medium to destroy plaque and to disintegrate calculus in the sulcus and/or calculus attached adjacent a tooth. Preferred energy input preferably ranges from about 10 millijoules (mJ) to about 300 mJ.

The particular preferred power level found to produce the ideal photoacoustic wave has a relationship to the approximate root volume of a particular tooth. The following chart (Table 1) shows what are believe to be preferred ranges of power levels for treatment of root canals in different types and sizes of teeth in accordance with the invention.

TABLE 1 Preferred Power Levels for Various Tooth Types Approx. Average Range of Preferred Tooth Type Root Volume (IJL) Power Levels (watts) Molar 177 0.5 to 1.5 Pre Molar 88 0.5 to 1.0 Cuspid 67 0.5 to 0.75 Laterals 28 0.25 to 0.5 Centrals 28 0.25 to 0.5 Lower 28 0.1 to 0.25 Centrals

When the laser is immersed in the first solution, the laser is pulsed for a time preferably ranging from about 10 seconds to about 40 seconds, most preferably about 20 seconds. If the laser is pulsed for longer than about 40 seconds, excessive thermal energy can begin to develop in the fluid, potentially leading to deleterious heating effects in and around the tooth as described above. It has been found rather surprisingly that pulsing under the parameters of the invention causes a measurable temperature rise in the fluid medium of no more than a few degrees Celsius, if any, while still utterly destroying and/or disintegrating all nerve, pulp, and other tissue within the canal that also is observed to hydraulically self-eject from the canal during pulsing.

After the laser has been pulsed in the first solution, the first solution is allowed to stabilize and then laser pulsing treatment may be repeated again in the same or a different solution. In certain embodiments, the solution may be removed between repetitions of pulsing cycles of the laser to remove debris more gradually and to avoid any development or transfer of heat energy into the dentin surrounding wall or other adjacent structure. The coronal chamber and canal may be irrigated with a standard dental irrigant and solution may then be reinserted into the coronal chamber to perform an additional laser pulsing treatment. While any number of pulsing phases or cycles can be repeated, it is believed that a fully effective removal of all material within the canal can be achieved in less than about seven cycles.

To assist dentists in performing root canal treatments according to the present invention, a photoacoustic activity index has been developed which provides relationships between the various parameters, machine setting, and the like which have been found to be important in the practice of the inventive procedure. Factors which appear important in the practice of the invention include the power level, laser pulse frequency, the pulse duration, the proportion of average excitable functional groups per molecule in the first solution, the diameter of the laser optical fiber, the number of pulsing cycles repeated in completing an extirpation procedure, the duration of each cycle, the viscosity of the first solution, and the distance between the tip and the end of the cladding. Coefficients have been determined which relate deviations of certain of the above factors from what is believed to be the ideal or the most preferred factor value. Tables of these coefficients are shown below:

Approx. Preferred Power Average Root Range of Power Density Co- Tooth Type Volume (uL) Levels (watts) efficient (DPD) Molar 177 0.5 to 1.5 1 Pre Molar 88 0.5 to 1.0 1 Cuspid 67 0.5 to 0.75 1 Laterals 28 0.25 to 0.5 1 Centrals 28 0.25 to 0.5 1 Lower 28 0.1 to 0.25 1 Centrals

Frequency Pulses per Coefficient Second C(fq) (Value in HZ) 0.4  2 HZ 0.6  5 HZ 0.9 10 HZ 1 15 HZ 0.5 20 HZ 0.2 25 HZ

Pulse Duration Coefficient Pulse Duration C(pw) Value in micro sec (IJs) 1 <50 0.9 50 0.7 100 0.3 150 0.2 200 0.1 1000

Hydroxyl Average quantity of Coefficient excitable groups C(hy) per fluid molecule 1 >2 0.9 2 0.7 1 0.5 Part or Mixture 0 none

Fiber Diameter Coefficient Fiber Diameter C(fd) Value in microns 0.8 >400 1 400 0.8 320 0.5 200 0.3 <200

Repetition Cycle Coefficient Repetition Cycles C(rp) (repetitions) 0.3 >7 0.5 6 0.7 5 1 4 0.9 3 0.6 2 0.3 1

Cycle Duration Coefficient Cycle Duration C(sa) (Value in seconds) 0.2 >40 0.6 40 0.9 30 1 20 0.5 10 0.2 <10

Viscosity Coefficient Fluid Viscosity C(vs) (Centipoise) 1 <1 0.9 1 0.1 >500 0.05 >1000

Cladding Distance Between Separation Terminus of Cladding Length and Apex of Tip Coefficient Value in millimeters C(sl) (mm) 0.4 2 0.6 3 0.9 4 1 5 0.9 >5 0.3 >10

A practitioner may input coefficients from the above tables correlating to equipment, setting, and material parameters into the following equation:

Photoacoustic Activity Index (“PA” Index)=DPD×C(fq)×C(pw)×C(hy)×C(fd)×C(rp)×C(sa)×C(vs)×C(sl)

If the resulting PA Index value is greater than about 0.1, more preferably above about 0.3, then the equipment and materials may generally be acceptable to produce an effective photoacoustic wave for disintegration and substantially complete and facile removal of all root canal nerve, pulp, and other tissue from within the canal. If the PA Index is below about 0.1, it may indicate a need to modify one's equipment setup, setting, and method parameters in order to more closely approach the desired PA index of 1 or unity.

Using the invention parameters and procedures, root canal tissue and other material to be removed or destroyed is not believed to be removed or destroyed via thermal vaporization, carbonization, or other thermal effect due primarily to exposure to high temperatures, but rather through a photoacoustic streaming of and other activities within liquids in the canal which are laser activated via photon initiated photoacoustic streaming (PIPS™). A photoacoustic wave with a relatively high leading edge is generated when the laser light transitions from the exposed surface of the fiber optic material into the solution. The laser light is believed to create very rapid and relatively intense oscillations of waves through the solution emanating from the interface of the exposed surface of the fiber optic and the surrounding liquid. The rapid, intense microfluctuations in the light energy emitted is believed to cause rapid excitation and/or expansion and de-excitation and/or expansion of hydroxyl-containing molecules adjacent the exposed surface of the fiber generating, among other things, photoacoustic waves of energy which propagates through and into the root canal system and oscillates within the system. These intense photoacoustic waves are believed to provide substantial vibrational energy, which expedites the breaking loose of and/or cell lysis and other effects to bring about a rapid and facile degradation/disintegration of substantially all tissue in the root canal and lateral canal systems immersed in the solution. The pulsing photoacoustic energy waves in combination with the chemistry of the fluid also is believed to cause intense physically disruptive cycling of expanding and contracting of nerve and other tissue which porositizes, expands, and ultimately disintegrates the nerve and other tissue in the canal without any significant thermally induced carbonization or other thermal effects of the same so that the resulting solution/mixture containing nerve and other tissue remains is observed to be self-ejected or basically “pumped” by a hydraulic effect out of the canal.

The photoacoustic effect creates energy waves that propagate throughout the fluid media in the main root canal and into the lateral canals, thereby cleaning the entire root system. These energy waves provide vibrational energy, which expedites the breaking loose of and/or causing cell lysis of the biotics and inorganics in the root canal and lateral canal systems. In addition these vibrational waves help the propagation of the fluids into and throughout the main and lateral canal systems. Radiant light energy can fuse the root canal wall surface making it impossible to clean and debride the small passages behind the fused areas. The use of a substantially incompressible fluid medium, on the other hand, causes the waves produced by the photoacoustic effect to be instantly transmitted through the lateral canals. Also, since the canals are tapered in a concave fashion, the photoacoustic wave is believed to be amplified as it transverses toward the end of the lateral canals for further intensification of the destruction towards apical or cul de sac areas.

In general, light travels in a straight line. However, in a fluid light can be bent and transmitted around corners, but this transmission is minimal compared to the straight-line transmissibility of light. A sonic or shock wave on the other hand is easily transmitted around corners and through passages in a fluid. For example, air is a fluid. If you stood in one room and shined a bright light from that room into a hallway that was at right angles to that room, the intensity of the light would decrease the farther you go down the hallway. If you then went into a room at the end of the hallway and went to a back corner of the room, the light might be very dim. However, if while standing at the same location as the light source, you yelled vocally at the hallway, you could most likely hear the sound in the back corner of the back room. This is because sound is propagated multidirectionally by the vibration of molecules instead of primarily in a straight line like light.

In certain embodiments of the invention, a second dissolution solution may be added to the canal after treatment with the energy source/first solution. This dissolution solution chemically dissolves and/or disintegrates any remaining nerve structure or other debris that may remain in the main canal or in any lateral canals. Preferred dissolution solutions include hypochlorite, sodium hypochlorite, perborate, calcium hydroxide, acetic acid/lubricant/doxycycline and other like nerve tissue or matrix dissolving substances such as chelating agents (EDTA) and inorganic agents such as titanium oxides.

Finally, after desired tissue has been removed from the tooth interior, the canal may be irrigated to remove any remaining debris and remaining solution, and then obturated with a material of choice, such as gutta percha, root canal resin, etc., according to standard practices in the industry.

In certain embodiments, various fluids may be used in conjunction with each other for various endodontic and root canal procedures. The following fluids are energetically activated by photoacoustic wave generation technology (PIPS) during their use throughout these examples. In a preferred embodiment, a first fluid including water and about 0.1% to about 20%, most preferably about 20%, urea hydrogen peroxide (weight/volume) containing about 0.01% to about 1% hexadecyl-trimethyl-ammonium bromide (cetrimide) is introduced into a tooth canal through an opening formed in the crown of a tooth. The first fluid is used to cause rapid nerve expansion so that any nerve tissue remaining in and adjacent the pulp chamber expands and is more easily removed from the pulp chamber. Preferably, a second fluid including water and about 0.1% to about 10%, most preferably about 5% hypochlorite (volume/volume) containing from about 0.0 1% to about 1% cetrimide is introduced into the tooth canal through the opening formed in the crown of the tooth. The second fluid is used to dissolve any remaining nerve tissue so that any nerve tissue remaining in and adjacent the pulp chamber is more easily removed by a fluid. Preferably, a third fluid including water and from about 0.1% to about 20%, more preferably from about 15% to about 17% EDTA 15 (weight/volume) containing from about 0.01% to about 1% cetrimide is introduced into the tooth canal through the opening formed in the crown of the tooth. The third fluid is used to help remove any remaining smear layer which typically contains, for example, organic material, odontoblastic processes, bacteria, and blood cells.

In a related embodiment, the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid are used as described above, and then a fourth fluid is introduced into the sulcus near the tooth that has been treated followed serially by a fifth fluid. The fourth fluid includes water and from about 0.01% to 1% cetrimide and the fifth solution includes water and from about 0.01% to about 2%, most preferably about 0.2% chlorhexidine (weight/volume).

In another related embodiment, the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid are used as described above, and then a mixture of a fourth fluid and a fifth fluid is introduced into the sulcus near the tooth that has been treated. The fourth fluid includes water and from about 1% to about 20%, most preferably about 20% urea peroxide (weight/volume) containing 0.01% to 1% cetrimide (wt/vol). The fifth fluid includes water and from about 0.1% to about 10%, most preferably about 1% hypochlorite (weight/volume). When the fourth fluid and the fifth fluid are mixed together and introduced into the sulcus near a treated tooth, a rapid expansive bubbling and bactericidal fluid mixture forms that is capable of destroying plaque and useful as a liquid defining a reservoir for a laser tip as described herein to be inserted and used as described herein.

In yet a further related embodiment, the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid are used as described above, and then a mixture of a fourth fluid, a fifth fluid and a sixth fluid is introduced into the sulcus near the tooth that has been treated. The fourth fluid includes water and from about 1% to about 20%, most preferably about 20% urea peroxide (weight/volume) containing 0.01 to 1% cetrimide (wt/vol). The fifth fluid includes water and from about 0.1% to about 10%, most preferably about 1% hypochlorite (volume/volume). The sixth fluid includes water and from 0.01% to about 2%, most preferably about 0.2% chlorhexidine (weight/volume). When the fourth fluid, the fifth fluid and the sixth fluid are mixed together and introduced into the sulcus near a treated tooth, a rapid expansive bubbling and bactericidal fluid mixture forms that is capable of destroying plaque and useful as a liquid defining a reservoir for a laser tip as described herein to be inserted and used as described herein.

In yet another related embodiment, the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid are used as described above, and then a mixture of a fourth fluid and a fifth fluid is introduced into the sulcus near the tooth that has been treated. The fourth fluid includes water and from about 0.1% to about 10%, most preferably about 1% sodium bicarbonate (weight/volume) buffered with sodium hydroxide to pH 9.6 to pH 11 containing 0.01% to 1% cetrimide, most preferably about pH 10. The fifth fluid includes water and from about 0.1% to about 10%, most preferably about 0.5% hypochlorite (weight/volume). When the fourth fluid and the fifth fluid are mixed together and introduced into the sulcus near a treated tooth, a rapid expansive bubbling and bactericidal fluid mixture forms that is capable of destroying plaque and useful as a liquid defining a reservoir for a laser tip as described herein to be inserted and used as described herein.

In yet a further related embodiment, the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid are used as described above, and then a mixture of a fourth fluid, a fifth fluid and a sixth fluid is introduced into the sulcus near the tooth that has been treated. The fourth fluid includes water and from about 0.1% to about 10%, most preferably about 1% sodium bicarbonate (weight/volume) buffered with sodium hydroxide to pH 9.6 to pH 11 containing 0.01 to 1% cetrimide, most preferably about pH 10. The fifth fluid includes water and from about 0.1% to about 10%, most preferably about 1% hypochlorite (weight/volume). The sixth fluid includes water and from 0.01% to about 2%, most preferably about 0.2% chlorhexidine (weight/volume). When the fourth fluid, the fifth fluid and the sixth fluid are mixed together and introduced into the sulcus near a treated tooth, a rapid expansive bubbling and bactericidal fluid mixture forms that is capable of destroying plaque and useful as a liquid defining a reservoir for a laser tip as described herein to be inserted and used as described herein.

Preferably, after one or more treatment steps including use of a mixture of the fourth fluid and the fifth fluid, a mixture including EDTA to remove oxygen that may interfere with subsequent endodontic and/or periodontal treatment steps is rinsed in a tooth and/or a sulcus adjacent a tooth.

Qualitative experimentation was performed placing a fluid into a Dampen dish located on a Formica surface. The laser applicator tip was placed into the fluid and fired repetitively. The photoacoustic wave vibrated the Dampen dish on the Formica surface making an audible sound. For a specific tip this audible sound increased with an increasing power level of the laser. This was verified by placing a sound level meter one inch away from the Dampen dish and recording the dB level. This implies that the power level is proportional to the amplitude of the photoacoustic wave. Next, the laser power level was held constant and the tip was changed. The tapered tip and a tip with a stripped sheath produced a greater photoacoustic wave than the standard flat tip. A tapered, stripped tip was then frosted or etched. This tip was tested and showed a greater photoacoustic wave generated than the non-frosted version. This was verified to be true at three different power levels. It would appear that since the power level was held constant, the photoacoustic wave amplitude would also be proportional to the exposed area and the surface treatment.

In a quantitative investigation of the applicator tip a MEMS Pressure sensor was utilized to measure the photoacoustic wave amplitude. This testing has shown a dramatic increase in the photoacoustic wave propagation caused by changes in the geometry and texturing of the tip. The inventors have also discovered that stripping of the cladding from the end of the applicator tip results in increases in the photoacoustic wave effect. In this regard, a small plastic vial was fitted with a fluid connection that was close coupled hydraulically to a miniature MEMS piezo-resistive pressure sensor (Honeywell Model 24PCCFA6D). The sensor output was run through a differential amplifier and coupled to a digital Oscilloscope (Tektronics Model TDS 220). The vial and sensor were filled with water. Laser tips having varying applicator tip configurations were fully submerged below the fluid level in the vial and fired at a frequency of 10 HZ. The magnitude of the photoacoustic pressure waves was recorded by the pressure sensor.

A 170% increase in pressure measured from generation of the photoacoustic waves was observed for the tapered tip versus the standard blunt-ended tip. A 580% increase in pressure measured from generation of the photoacoustic wave was observed for textured (frosted) tapered tips versus the standard blunt-ended tip. Rather than emitting in a substantially linear direction, the frosting disperses the light omnidirectionally causing excitation and expansion of more fluid molecules.

An increase in photoacoustic wave generation was seen by stripping the polyamide sheath away from about 2 mm to about 10 mm from the tapered end. Although laser light is coherent and typically travels substantially in a straight line, some light bounces off of the polyamide sheath at an angle. As this light travels down the light path it continues bouncing off of the inside of the polyamide sheath and will eventually exit at an angle to the sheath once the sheath stops and exposes a non sheathed section. Therefore, some of the laser light would also exit where the polyamide sheath has been removed, upstream of the tapered tip end. A tip with the sheath removed for 2 to 10 mm directly upstream of the tapered section was placed in the above-mentioned test set up and showed markedly better production of photoacoustic waves.

In various other embodiments of the invention, energy sources other than lasers may be used to produce the photoacoustic waves including, but not limited to, other sources of light energy, sonic, ultrasonic, photo-acoustic, thermo-acoustic, micromechanical stirring, magnetic fields, electric fields, radio-frequency, and other exciter mechanisms or other similar forms that can impart energy to a solution. Some of these sources penetrate the tooth structure externally. Additional subablative energy sources may be used to create other types of pressure waves in a solution, such as chemoacoustic waves (shock waves created by rapid chemical expansion creating shock and pressure waves). Such waves can be created for example by loading the nanoparticles with a chemical that expands rapidly upon excitation, coating nanoparticles with a hard shell (e.g. polyvinyl alcohol), and activating the chemistry with an energy source such as optical, ultrasonic, radio-frequency, etc. As the activating chemical expands, pressure builds up in the hard shell, when the shell bursts it creates a shock wave that can propagate throughout the fluid similar to a photoacoustic wave. Additionally, a photoacoustic wave can be the activating energy source for producing the chemoacoustic wave.

Further, embodiments of the present invention may be used for various procedures other than root canal treatment, such as for treatment of dental caries, cavities or tooth decay. Additionally, the present invention may be usable for treatments of bone and other highly networked material where infection is problematic, e.g. dental implants, bone infection, periodontal disease, vascular clotting, organ stones, scar tissues, etc. Adding a tube structure around the tip which might be perforated and will allow introduction of a fluid around the tip that will allow the photoacoustic waves to be directed into more difficult areas that do not contain fluid volume such as periodontal and gum tissue. This would be considered a type of photoacoustic transmission tube.

Certain periodontal treatment embodiments are contemplated including a method and apparatus for treating gingival and periodontal regions near a tooth structure. FIG. 6 shows a cutaway view of a tooth and gum interface region 30 including a portion of a tooth 32 including tooth pulp 34, tooth dentin 36, and tooth enamel 38; a portion of gum tissue 40 including a portion of an alveolar bone 42, cementum 44, oral epithelium 46, sulcular epithelium 48, dentogingival fibers 50, and dentoalveolar fibers 52; and a sulcus 54 defining the open region or “pocket” between the tooth 32 and a free dental gingival margin 56 of the gum tissue 40 located above the dashed line A-A. The term “sulcus” and “pocket” refer to the volume between one or more teeth and gingival tissue.

The sulcus 54 and surrounding area is a notorious place for plaque to develop. The sulcus 54 and surrounding area is also notorious area for calculus deposits to form. FIG. 7 shows a cutaway view of a tooth and gum interface region 58 including calculus deposits 60 and a diseased portion of a sulcular epithelium 62. Although plaque is relatively soft and may often be removed by routine brushing, calculus deposits often require significantly more force to remove, especially when such calculus deposits have attached to the cementum 44. A calculus deposit-commonly referred to as tartar-is a cement-like material that is often scraped off of teeth during a routine dental visit and followed up with some degree of chemical treatment including, for example, fluoride rinsing. Often, such scraping causes undesirable swelling of the teeth and gums, and healthy tissue including much needed cementum 44 is inadvertently removed along with the calculus deposits. The inadvertent removal of cementum 44 often results in less adhesion between teeth and gums, causing sagging of the gums. When the gum tissue 40 sags, additional surfaces of the tooth 32 are exposed, some of which may not protected by enamel 38. This is undesirable and can lead to deteriorating tooth and gum health.

Applicants have surprisingly found that the endodontic laser techniques including apparatuses and methods described herein are also applicable with respect to gingival and periodontal treatment. Such laser treatment is capable of disengaging and disintegrating plaque, destroying undesirable bacterial cells, and disengaging and disintegrating calculus deposits. It is believed that the photoacoustic waves emitted from the laser 10 cause, among other things, the lysing of bacterial cells.

In a first embodiment, an apparatus and method of treatment for treating mild to moderate periodontal disease is disclosed wherein mild to moderate periodontal disease is indicated by pockets having a depth of from about 4 mm to about 5 mm. The pulsing laser 10 including the optical fiber 14 with the applicator tip 20 is preferably used. The tip 20 preferably consists essentially of quartz.

The associated method includes the steps of (A) optionally and gently pulling the free dental gingival margin 56 from adjacent teeth to widen the sulcus 54, (B) introducing a fluid to the sulcus 54 to create a reservoir of fluid within the sulcus 54 (C) removing the diseased epithelial lining from the pocket using the laser 10 of a first type with the optical fiber 14 of a first size wherein the laser 10 is adjusted to a first setting, (D) removing calculus deposits from one or more teeth using the laser 10 of a second type with the optical fiber 14 of a second size wherein the laser 10 is adjusted to a second setting, (E) optionally removing any remaining calculus deposits using a piezo scalar, (F) modifying the dentin surface using the laser 10 with the optical fiber 14 of a third size wherein the laser 10 of a third type is adjusted to a third setting, and (G) inducing fibrin clotting at areas where treatment has occurred. If the treated tissue still looks diseased after treatment, follow-up treatment is to be commenced preferably about one week later using the laser with the optical fiber 14 of the first size wherein the laser 10 is adjusted to the first setting. Treatment is preferably initiated on the most diseased area of a mouth (i.e., the quadrant of a mouth having the deepest and most pockets).

In one preferred embodiment, steps (C) and (E) are not included. In other embodiments other steps may be left out or otherwise altered depending on a particular patient's needs or other reasons. In certain embodiments in the above or any other method disclosed herein, a single type of laser may be used for multiple or even all of the steps, although, as disclosed, different types of lasers may be preferable for certain steps.

If the first laser type is Nd doped (e.g., Nd:YAG), the first size preferably ranges from about 300 microns to about 600 microns in diameter and the first setting includes a pulse width of from about 100 )..l.S to about 700 )..l.S (preferably about 100 )..l.S) and a power setting of about 2.0 to about 4.0 watts (W). If the first laser type is a Diode laser (about 810 to about 1064 nanometers (nm)), the first size preferably ranges from about 300 microns to about 1000 microns in diameter and the first setting includes a continuous wave setting and a power setting of from about 0.2 W to about 4.0 W.

If the second laser type is Er doped, the second size preferably ranges from about 400 microns to about 1000 microns in diameter, and the second setting preferably includes a pulse width of from about 50 )..l.S to about 300 )..l.S, an energy setting of from about 10 mJ to about 100 mJ, and a frequency of from about 2 Hz to about 25 Hz. If the second laser type is Er, Cr doped, the second size preferably ranges from about 600 microns to about 1000 microns in diameter, the second setting preferably includes a pulse width of from about 50 )..l.S to about 100 )..l.S, an energy amount of from about 10 mJ to about 100 mJ, and a frequency of from about 2 Hz to about 50 Hz.

If the third laser type is Er doped, the third size preferably ranges from about 400 microns to about 1000 microns in diameter, and the third setting preferably includes a pulsewidth of from about 50 )..l.S to about 300 )..l.S, an energy setting of from about 10 mJ to about 100 mJ, and a frequency of from about 2 Hz to about 50 Hz.

In its simplest form step (B) uses water. FIG. 8 shows a sulcus 54′ filled with a fluid, defining a reservoir 64 for periodontal treatment using photoacoustic technology. Step (C) preferably includes removing the epithelial lining by moving the applicator tip 20 in a side to side sweeping motion starting at or near the top of the sulcus 54 and slowly moving to a location of about 1 mm from the base of the sulcus 54 where the sulcular epithelium 48 and the cementum 44 attach (assuming these structures are still attached) as shown in FIG. 8. Step (C) should preferably take from about 10 seconds to about 15 seconds to perform. In step (C), if the laser type is Nd doped, the first size of the light fiber 14 is preferably about 320 microns and the first setting of the laser 10 preferably includes a pulse width of about 100 )..l.S VSP, a frequency of about 20 Hz, and a power setting of from about 2.0 W to about 3.0 W.

Step (B) preferably includes using the fourth fluid and the fifth fluid described above (i.e., the fourth fluid including water and from about 0.5% to about 20%, most preferably about 2% urea peroxide containing 0.01 to 1% hexadecyl-trimethyl-ammonium bromide (cetrimide), and the fifth fluid including water and from about 0.0125% to about 5.0%, most preferably about 0.25% hypochlorite). These fluids are added serially, whereby the fourth solution is added first and activated individually by photoacoustic wave generation technology, followed shortly by addition of the second solution which is then itself activated by photoacoustic wave generation technology. Alternatively, these fluids are mixed together just prior to use and are then activated by photoacoustic wave generation technology.

In a related embodiment, step (B) preferably includes using the fourth fluid and the fifth fluid described above (i.e., the fourth fluid including water and from about 0.5% to about 20%, most preferably about 2% urea peroxide containing 0.01 to 1% hexadecyl-trimethyl-ammonium bromide (cetrimide), and the fifth fluid including water and from about 0.0125% to about 5.0%, most preferably about 0.25% hypochlorite), followed by a sixth fluid including water and from about 0.01% to about 2%, most preferably about 0.2% chlorhexidine (weight/volume).

In another related embodiment, step (B) includes using the a fourth and fifth fluid that includes water and from about 0.1% to about 10%, most preferably about 1% sodium bicarbonate (weight/volume) buffered with sodium hydroxide to pH 9.6 to pH 11 containing 0.01 to 1% cetrimide, most preferably about pH 10. The fifth fluid includes water and from about 0.1% to about 10%, most preferably about 1% hypochlorite (weight/volume).

In yet a further related embodiment, step (B) includes using a mixture including a seventh fluid, an eighth fluid and a ninth fluid. The fluid mixture is introduced into the sulcus near the tooth that has been treated. The seventh fluid preferably includes water and from about 0.1% to about 10% and most preferably about 1% sodium bicarbonate (weight/volume) buffered with sodium hydroxide to a pH value ranging from about 9.6 to about 11 (preferably about 10) wherein the sodium hydroxide preferably includes from about 0.01% to about 1% cetrimide. The eighth fluid includes water and from about 0.1% to about 10% (most preferably about 1%) hypochlorite (weight/volume). The ninth fluid includes water and from about 0.01% to about 2% (most preferably about 0.2%) chlorhexidine (weight/volume).

Preferably, for step (D) and other steps described herein wherein the applicator tip is inserted into a sulcus and photoacoustic wave generation technology is used to create photoacoustic waves, an appropriately dimensioned laser applicator tip 20 is preferably placed into the sulcus until it is at least fully immersed in the solution therein. By “fully immersed” it is meant liquid level is even with the edge of the cladding or other covering on the optical fiber 18. Preferably, the distal most edge of any cladding or covering 18 on the optical fiber 18 adjacent the tip is spaced from about 1 mm to about 10 mm from the distal end of the distal end tip or end of the optical fiber, most preferably about 3 mm therefrom. As a result, up to about 10 mm and most preferably about 3 mm of the distal end of the optical fiber is uncovered. In other embodiments, however, the distal most edge of any cladding or covering 18 on the optical fiber adjacent the tip is substantially at the distal end of the distal end tip or end of the optical fiber. Preferably, all or substantially all of the length of this uncovered part of the tip end is immersed. If the uncovered part of the applicator tip is not fully immersed, sufficient energy may not be transferred to the fluid in the sulcus since light will be permitted to escape to the environment above the liquid surface. Accordingly, it is believed that spacing the distal-most or outermost end edge of the cladding more than about 10 mm should be avoided, as that can diminish the effectiveness of the system.

In some applications, it may be necessary to provide a dam and reservoir around and above the opening in the tooth in order to increase the volume and level of fluid available for immersion of the uncovered area of the end of the optical fiber. The larger liquid volume and deeper immersion of the uncovered area of the tip end is believed to enable application of sufficient energy levels to produce the desired photoacoustic wave intensity in such instances. Such instances may include, for example, smaller pockets where treatment is desired. In certain applications where a dam or reservoir is used, particularly in veterinary applications for larger animals, it may be desirable to use a laser tip with more than 20 mm of space between the tip end and the cladding due to the larger volume of fluid.

Preferably, for step (D) and other steps described herein wherein the applicator tip is inserted into a sulcus and photoacoustic wave generation technology is used, the various embodiments of fluids described with respect to Step (B) are also preferably used in Step (D).

Step (D) preferably includes removing calculus deposits by moving the applicator tip 20 in a substantially side to side sweeping motion starting at or near the top of the sulcus 54 and slowly moving down the tooth 32 in contact therewith (preferably using a light touch), pausing on any calculus deposits to allow the laser 10 to remove the deposit(s). Step (D) may include multiple repetitions, often from about 3 to about 6, to ensure most of the calculus deposits have been removed from the tooth 32 or cementum 44 surfaces. In step (D), the second size of the optical fiber 14 is preferably about 600 microns in diameter. The second setting of the laser 10 preferably includes a pulse width of about 100 )..l.S VSP and a frequency of about 15 Hz.

Hand tools should only be used in step (E) as a last resort because such tools often remove much needed cementum 44 from the tooth 32. In some embodiments, Step (F) uses substantially the same techniques, sizes, and settings as step (C). During Step (F), the applicator tip 20 is preferably held substantially parallel to the length of the tooth 32 while being in contact with the tooth 32. Step (F) should take from about 5 to about 15 seconds depending on the depth of the sulcus 54. During any follow-up treatment, pressure should be placed on all lased areas for about 3 minutes to better ensure fibrin clotting.

Step (G) preferably includes treating all pockets having a depth of 5 mm or more if, for example, tissue inflammation or bleeding persists. Treatment during Step (G) is similar to the technique used during Step (C). However, for typical adult human patients, the treatment depth is restricted to moving no more than about 3 mm into a sulcus so as to avoid disturbing healing tissues below such depth. The treatment action occurring in Step (G) has the effect of removing remaining diseased tissue while biostimulating surrounding sulcular tissue.

In a second embodiment, an apparatus and method of treatment for advanced periodontal disease is disclosed wherein advanced periodontal disease for typical adult human patients is indicated by pockets having a depth of from about 6 mm to about 10 mm or more. The pulsing laser 10 including the optical fiber 14 with the applicator tip 20 is preferably used. The associated method preferably includes the steps of (A)′ gross scaling a treatment site (e.g., a quadrant of teeth and surrounding tissue) with a plezo scaler, avoiding the use of hand instruments in the cementum if possible; (B)′ introducing a fluid to a sulcus to create a reservoir of fluid within the sulcus; (C)′ removing the diseased epithelial lining located in an upper portion of the pocket using the laser 10 of a fourth type with the optical fiber 14 of a fourth size wherein the laser 10 is adjusted to a fourth setting; (D)′ removing calculus deposits from one or more teeth using the laser 10 of a fifth type with the optical fiber 14 of a fifth size wherein the laser 10 is adjusted to a fifth setting; (E)′ removing any remaining calculus deposits using a piezo scaler; (F)′ remove diseased epithelial lining to the bottom of the sulcus using the laser of a sixth type with the optical fiber of a sixth size wherein the laser 10 is adjusted to a sixth setting; (G)′ modifying the dentin surface including removal of calculus using the laser 10 of a seventh type with the optical fiber 14 of a seventh size wherein the laser 10 is adjusted to a seventh setting; (H)′ removing the diseased epithelial lining located in a lower portion of the sulcus using the laser 10 of an eighth type with the optical fiber 14 of an eighth size wherein the laser 10 is adjusted to an eighth setting; (I)′ dissecting proximal periodontal attachment with bone using the laser 10 of a ninth type with the optical fiber 14 of a ninth size wherein the laser 10 is adjusted to a ninth setting; (J)′ penetrating the cortical plate of adjacent bone tissue with an endodontic explorer to accomplish cortication of any bony defect; (K)′ inducing fibrin clotting using the laser 10 of a tenth type with the optical fiber 14 of a tenth size wherein the laser 10 is adjusted to a tenth setting; and (L)′ placing one or more barricades or periacryl on all treated areas to prevent fibrin clots from washing out. Optionally, an enzyme inhibition mixture may be added to any collagen plug resulting from fibrin clotting in this or any other similar embodiment described herein. This optional step would extend the life of any applicable fibrin clot which, in turn, would promote decreased epithelial movement into the sulcus which would enhance tissue regeneration.

Treatment is preferably initiated on the most diseased area of a mouth (i.e., the quadrant of a mouth having the deepest and most pockets). If more than two quadrants of a mouth require treatment, the most diseased two quadrants should be treated first, followed up by treatment of the remaining quadrant(s) about one week later.

In one preferred embodiment, steps (C)′, (H)′ and (K)′ are not included. In another preferred embodiment, steps (F)′, (I)′ and (J)′ are not included. In another embodiment, steps (G)′ and (H)′ a performed in reverse order. In yet another embodiment, steps (K)′ and (L)′ are performed in reverse order. In other embodiments other steps may be left out, added, or otherwise altered depending on many factors including without limitation a particular patient's needs, availability of supplies, availability of laser technology, and other reasons.

If the fourth laser type is Nd doped (e.g., Nd:YAG), the fourth size preferably ranges from about 300 microns to about 600 microns in diameter and the fourth setting includes a pulse width of from about 100 )..l.S (VSP) and a power setting of about 0.2 to about 4.0 W. If the fourth laser type is Er or Er,Cr doped, the fourth size preferably ranges from about 400 microns to about 1000 microns in diameter, the fourth setting preferably includes a pulse width of from about 50 )..l.S to about 300 )..l.S an energy amount of from about 10 mJ to about 100 mJ, and a frequency of from about 2 Hz to about 50 Hz. If the fourth laser type is a Diode laser (about 810 nm to about 1064 nm), the fourth size preferably ranges from about 300 microns to about 1000 microns in diameter and the fourth setting preferably includes a continuous wave setting and a power setting of from about 0.4 W to about 4.0 W.

If the fifth laser type is Er doped, the fifth size preferably ranges from about 400 microns to about 1000 microns in diameter, the fifth setting preferably includes a pulse width of from about 50 )..l.S to about 300 )..l.S (SSP), an energy amount of from about 10 mJ to about 100 mJ (more preferably from about 20 mJ to about 40 mJ), and a frequency of from about 2 Hz to about 50 Hz (more preferably about 15 Hz to about 50 Hz). If the fifth laser type is Er or Er,Cr doped, the fifth size preferably ranges from about 400 microns to about 1200 microns in diameter, the fifth setting preferably includes a pulse width of from about 50 )..l.S to about 300 )..l.S, an energy amount of from about 10 mJ to about 200 mJ, and a frequency of from about 2 Hz to about 50 Hz.

If the sixth laser type is Er or Er,Cr doped, the sixth size preferably ranges from about 400 microns to about 1000 microns in diameter, the sixth setting preferably includes a pulse width of from about 50 )..l.S to about 300 )..l.S, an energy amount of from about 10 mJ to about 100 mJ, and a frequency of from about 2 Hz to about 50 Hz. If the sixth laser type is a Diode laser (about 810 nm to about 1064 nm), the sixth size preferably ranges from about 300 microns to about 1000 microns in diameter and the sixth setting preferably includes a continuous wave setting and a power setting of from about 0.4 W to about 4.0 W.

If the seventh laser type is Er doped, the seventh size preferably ranges from about 600 microns to about 1000 microns in diameter, the seventh setting preferably includes a pulse width of from about 50 )..l.S to about 100 )..l.S, an energy amount of from about 10 mJ to about 100 mJ, and a frequency of from about 2 Hz to about 50 Hz. If the seventh laser type is Er or Er,Cr doped, the seventh size preferably ranges from about 400 microns to about 1000 microns in diameter, the seventh setting preferably includes a pulse width of from about 50 )..l.S to about 300 )..l.S, an energy amount of from about 10 mJ to about 200 mJ, and a frequency of from about 2 Hz to about 50 Hz. If the eighth laser type is Er doped, the eighth size preferably ranges from about 600 microns to about 1000 microns in diameter, the eighth setting preferably includes a pulse width of from about 50 )..l.S to about 100 )..l.S, an energy amount of from about 10 mJ to about 100 mJ, and a frequency of from about 2 Hz to about 50 Hz. If the eighth laser type is Er or Er,Cr doped, the eighth size preferably ranges from about 400 microns to about 1000 microns in diameter, the eighth setting preferably includes a pulse width of from about 50 )..l.S to about 300 )..l.S, an energy amount of from about 10 mJ to about 200 mJ, and a frequency of from about 2 Hz to about 50 Hz.

If the ninth laser type is Er doped, the ninth size preferably ranges from about 600 microns to about 1000 microns in diameter, the ninth setting preferably includes a pulse width of from about 50 )..l.S to about 100 )..l.S an energy amount of from about 10 mJ to about 100 mJ, and a frequency of from about 2 Hz to about 50 Hz. If the ninth laser type is Er or Er,Cr doped, the ninth size preferably ranges from about 400 microns to about 1000 microns in diameter, the ninth setting preferably includes a pulse width of from about 50 )..l.S to about 600 )..l.S, an energy amount of from about 10 mJ to about 200 mJ, and a frequency of from about 2 Hz to about 50 Hz.

If the tenth laser type is Nd doped (e.g., Nd:YAG), the tenth size preferably ranges from about 300 microns to about 350 microns in diameter (more preferably about 320 microns) and the tenth setting includes a pulse width of from about 600 )..l.S to 700 )..l.S (LP) (more preferably about 650 )..l.S, a frequency of from about 15 Hz to about 20 Hz, and a power setting of about 3.0 to about 4.0 W. Clotting may also be induced by use of an Er-YAG laser by decreasing the power of the laser by increasing the pulse width to a range of from about 100 )..l.S to about 600 )..l.S to increase interaction with tooth root surfaces. Alternatively, laser power may be decreased by using an adapter (e.g., a filter) between a laser source and the zone where the laser is applied to a patient or other subject in order to attenuate laser signal. The option of using an Er doped laser is also available for fibrin clotting steps described in other embodiments herein.

Step (B)′ preferably includes using the fourth fluid and the fifth fluid described above (i.e., the fourth fluid including water and from about 0.1% to about 20%, most preferably about 10% urea peroxide, and the fifth fluid including water and from about 0.1% to about 10%, most preferably about 0.5% hypochlorite).

Step (C)′ preferably includes removing some of the epithelial lining by moving the applicator tip 20 in a side to side sweeping motion starting at or near the top of the sulcus and slowly moving down about 3 mm to about 5 mm. Step (C)′ should preferably take from about 10 to about 15 seconds to perform.

Step (D)′ preferably includes removing calculus deposits by moving the applicator tip 20 in a substantially side to side sweeping motion starting at or near the top of the sulcus and slowly moving down a tooth adjacent the sulcus, the tip preferably remaining in substantially continuous contact with the tooth, pausing proximate any calculus deposits to allow the laser 10 to remove the deposit(s). Such pauses may last from about 5 seconds to about 30 seconds. The method described herein is particularly well-suited for periodontic treatment because it leaves cementum substantially intact. Step (D)′ may include multiple repetitions, often from about 3 to about 6, to ensure most of the calculus deposits have been removed from the tooth or cementum surfaces. This technique should remove most calculus, bacteria, and endotoxins leaving the cementum mostly undamaged resulting in a desirable surface for reattachment of soft tissue to cementum.

Hand tools should only be used in step (E)′ as a last resort because such tools often remove much needed cementum from the tooth.

In a first embodiment, during Step (F)′, the applicator tip 20 is kept in substantially continuous contact with soft tissue surrounding the sulcus, starting at or near the top of the sulcus. The applicator tip 20 is moved in a sweeping motion (preferably a substantially side-by-side motion) toward the bottom of the sulcus. This step should take from about 10 to about 20 seconds to complete. The applicator tip 20 should not be kept at or near the bottom of the sulcus for more than about 3 to about 5 seconds to avoid compromising periodontal attachment. In a related embodiment of Step (F)′ in which the laser 10 is of the Diode type and the same general motion described above is used, the applicator tip 20 is extended to about 1 mm short of the sulcus depth because the laser 10 in this embodiment includes an end cutting fiber that cuts approximately 1 mm from the tip of the applicator tip 20.

In one embodiment of Step (G)′, the applicator tip 20 is preferably held substantially parallel to the length of a tooth while preferably remaining substantially in contact with such tooth. Step (G)′ should take from about 5 to about 15 seconds to complete depending on the depth of the sulcus. As an example, the same general motion as described with respect to Step (C)′ may be used in Step (G)′. In one embodiment, Step (G)′ further includes placing a stripped radial applicator tip into the sulcus to use photoacoustic wave generation technology for a period of from about 15 to about 25 seconds to accomplish substantially complete bacterial ablation prior to modifying the dentin surface.

Step (H)′ preferably includes removing some of the epithelial lining near the base of the sulcus by moving the applicator tip 20 in a side to side sweeping motion starting at or near the top of the sulcus. Step (H)′ should preferably take from about 10 to about 20 seconds to perform. A user should not spend more than about 5 seconds (and preferably no more than 3 seconds) at the base of the sulcus where the sulcular epithelium and the cementum attach (assuming these structures are still attached) in order to avoid compromising periodontal attachment.

Step (I)′ includes using photoacoustic wave generating technology as used in the previous step, starting at or near the bottom of the sulcus, to dissect fibrous periodontal attachment to a bony defect structure. Care should be taken to avoid disturbing the attachment of such fibers to bone on either side of a bony defect structure.

Step (J)′ includes using an endodontic explorer such as, for example, a double ended explorer available from DENTSPLY Tulsa Dental Specialties of Tulsa, Okla., to penetrate about 1 mm or more into an adjacent cortical plate. This penetration is preferably repeated from about 5 to about 15 times. This action allows for regenerative factors from the adjacent bone to be released which is necessary for bone regeneration. These penetrations also allow for angiogenesis which brings blood to the site quicker, giving a subsequent blood clot the nutrients needed to produce bone at a quicker rate.

Step (K)′ includes inducing fibrin clotting for bone generation by inserting the fiber 14 to a location about 75% of the depth of the sulcus and moving the applicator tip 20 in a substantially circular or oval-like motion throughout the sulcus, slowly drawing out gingiva-dental fibers. This will initiate fibrin clotting at or near the base of the sulcus. Step (K)′ may take from about 15 seconds to about 30 seconds to complete. The pocket being treated is preferably filled with blood prior to beginning Step (K)′; otherwise, it will be more difficult to obtain a good gelatinous clot. In a related embodiment, Step (K)′ includes inserting the applicator tip 20 to the depth of the sulcus that is along one side of the bony defect; activating the laser 10; moving the applicator tip 20 in a “J” shaped motion to draw out the fiber for a period of about 2 seconds; and proceeding through the defect for about 2 mm to about 3 mm in order to initiate a fibrin clot.

In one embodiment, Step (L)′ preferably includes placing one or more barricades and/or periacryl on one or more (preferably all) area treated using the laser 10 in order to prevent clots from washing out. Surgical dressings are preferably placed around one or more teeth and interproximal, and such dressings are preferably kept in place for about 10 days to prevent clots from washing out and to aid maturation of the treated bone and tissue. In a related embodiment, Step (L)′ includes placing an absorbable collagen sponge matrix in most and preferably all surgical sites to initiate clotting. This step protects the defect from, for example, bacterial invasion and provides a matrix for both hard and soft tissue regeneration. Blood platelets will aggregate near the collagen and the platelets will degranulate resulting in the release of coagulation factors which will combine with plasma to form a stable fibrin clot. This will step will, in certain embodiments, provide a matrix for bone regeneration and pocket elimination.

In addition to the steps listed above, an additional step preferably includes using chlorohexidine after the above-listed steps are completed. Preferably, the chlorohexidine is used no sooner than 48 hours after completion of the above-listed procedure, after which point the chlorohexidine is preferably used twice daily.

In addition to the periodontal embodiments described above, this application process may also be used in other soft tissue applications where it is necessary to expand the diseased tissue or material to allow more rapid access and penetration to healing agents, chemicals or biologicals; i.e. antibiotics, peptides, proteins, enzymes, catalysts, genetics (DNA, mRNA or RNA or derivatives) or antibody based therapeutics or combinations thereof. In some cases, the present methodology may be used to rapidly dissolve or destroy diseased tissue areas. Additionally, the present invention may be used to expand diseased tissue in an abscess, allowing for extremely rapid and efficient penetration of healing or biological agents. The porosity created in the tissue by photoacoustic waves may allow for rapid infusion with the subsequent chemical species that can impose destruction, healing or cleaning or a combination of these events. The speed of this healing action may allow medical procedures that currently are not viable because of extensive time required for standard healing processes, i.e., sometimes adjacent tissue is infected because the original infection cannot be controlled more rapidly than the infection propagates. In this case, expanding the diseased tissue to enhance porosity may allow near instantaneous access for the medication, e.g., antibiotic or other agents.

Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to begin, construct or stage the activation of cells and/or tissues, including the area of transplantation and use in stem or primordial cells accentuation, their attachment and/or stimulation for growth and differentiation. The present invention is also believed to be usable to activate cells, e.g., progenitor, primordial or stem cells, to promote inherent nascent bone or tissue growth and differentiation, as well as in transplantation where stem or primordial cells are accentuated in their attachment and stimulated for growth and differentiation.

In one of the alternate embodiments of this invention, nanotubes or other micro-structures can be moved around in a therapeutic fluid by applying a magnetic field. An alternating or pulsed magnetic field could impart significant motion and stirring of the therapeutic fluid. Since the field would penetrate the entire tooth, the stirring action would also occur throughout the lateral or accessory canal system. These moving micro-particles would also act as an abrasive on any bacteria, virus, nerve material, or debris within the canal system. The effect would be a more thorough circulation of the fluid throughout the canal system to provide superior cleaning and debridement of the canal system. Magnetic material can also be inserted into, adsorbed onto, or absorbed into the nanotube or other microstructure increasing its magnetic moment.

Ti0₂ or other similar compounds can be activated and made bactericidal by exposing them to UV light or by inserting them in an electric field. Once excited these can destroy bacteria and other organic compounds such as remaining nerve tissue. Such compounds can be part of a therapeutic and can be activated by a UV light source pointed toward the therapeutic fluid, a UV source dipped into the fluid, or a UV laser source. These Ti0₂ or other similar compounds can also be activated by an alternating or pulsed electric field. One means to supply such an electric field could be by an external device that would bridge the tooth. Since the field propagates throughout the entire tooth it would also react Ti0₂ or other similar compounds within the accessory or lateral canals. This action could also be combined with the micro-particle based motion action mentioned above. This combination would more thoroughly clean and debride the canals. Since electric fields are generated externally and penetrate the entire root structure they could be used several months or on a yearly basis after the tooth is sealed to reactivate the titanium oxide and its bactericidal properties.

The foregoing description of preferred embodiments for this disclosure has been 20 presented for purposes of illustration and description. The disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the various embodiments to the precise form disclosed. Other modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments are chosen and described in an effort to provide the best illustrations of the principles of the underlying concepts and their practical application, and to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the disclosure as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

TABLE 2 Additional Medical Uses for Photoacoustics According to the Invention Millijoules Photoacoustic Description Benefits Actions Method Phase Range Energy Density (PED) Disinfect Sinus Removes Photoacoustics according Fill sinus cavity with Phase I: 7 to 33 PED range: 7 to 100 watt- Cavities infections and to the invention shock therapeutic, insert with mjoules per sec/cc, preferably 9 to 20 bacteria that waves propagate special photoacoustics therapeutic cc, preferably watt-sec/cc, most might be throughout the cavity according to the Phase II: 7 to 20 preferably 12 watt- difficult to expanding the cavity and invention tip for that with water mjoules, most sec/cc. PED is the total treat by other forcing the therapeutic into type and size of cavity. or rinse preferably 10 shock wave energy put conventional the crevices and folds. The Note: patient may be mjoules (tbd) into the volume during methods photoacoustics according anestized. of liquid. the application. Not to to the invention shock Total value be confused with the wave lyses the bacteria, depends on energy per pulse or the virus, and fungi cell walls the volume of input power of the power destroying them while not the cavity and delivered to the tip. harming the cells of the PED. cavity. Cancer Stops or Several doctors have Flood the area with a Phase I: 7 to 1000 PED range: 7 to 1000 watt- deters cancer published that cancer is a therapeutic if possible. photoacoustics mjoules per sec/cc, preferably 9 to fungal infection. Place a photoacoustics according to cc, preferably 500 watt-sec/cc, most photoacoustics according according to the the inventio

20 to 200 preferably 20 watt- to the invention has invention tip in the with or mjoules, and sec/cc. PED is the total shown to significantly wipe fluid and apply without a most shock wave energy put out fungi. photoacoustics therapeutic preferably 50 into the volume during according to the Phase II: mjoules (tbd) the application. Not to be invention protocol. If Optional of liquid. Total confused with the energy area can not be rinse only if value depends per pulse or the flooded. Place appropriate. on the volume input power of the power photoacoustics of delivered to the tip. according to the the cavity and invention tip into the PED. area (most all bodily parts are a high percentage water) and apply photoacoustics according to the invention protocol. Revaluate condition. Treating Improves Improves dermatological Build dam around Phase I: 7 to 100 PED range: 7 to 100 watt- dermato- dermatology treatments by driving the treatment area, fill with mjoules per sec/cc, preferably 9 to 20 logical problem therapeutic into the cavity with therapeutic, therapeutic cc, preferably watt-sec/cc, most conditions areas. crevices of the skin or insert photoacoustics Phase II: 10 to 30 preferably 12 watt- driving the therapeutic according to the with water mjoules, and sec/cc. PED is the total under the top layers of the invention tip below or rinse most shock wave energy put skin. surface of fluid. preferably 15 into the volume during mjoules (tbd) the application. Not to of liquid. be confused with the Total value energy per pulse or the depends on input power of the power the volume of delivered to the tip. the cavity and PED. Focused Directs and The photoacoustics Place photoacoustics Phase I: 7 to 500 PED range: 7 to 500 watt- photoacoustics amplifies according to the invention according to the with mjoules per sec/cc, preferably 9 to 20 according to photoacoustics tip is integrated with a invention focused tip therapeutic cc of liquid. watt-sec/cc, most the invention according to parabolic cone with the onto treatment area. Phase II: Value preferably 12 watt- tip system the invention photoacoustics according The parabolic cup with with water depends on sec/cc. PED is the total shock wave in to the invention tip in the the photoacoustics or rinse if the volume of shock wave energy put one direction center. The according to the appropriate. the cavity. into the volume during photoacoustics according invention tip inside can the application. Not to to the invention shock be held against the be confused with the waves are then refocused treatment area. The energy per pulse or the in one direction. This cup could be input power of the power would make an intensified continuously filled with delivered to the tip. wave in one direction. a therapeutic through a tube with a check valve. Disinfecting Kills any photoacoustics according Place photoacoustics Phase I: 7 to 33 PED range: 7 to 500 watt- blood during bacteria or to the invention could be according to the with mjoules per sec/cc, preferably 9 to 20 surgeries virus that used in the blood pool invention tip into blood therapeutic cc of liquid. watt-sec/cc, most might get into several different times pool or into Phase II: Total value preferably 12 watt- open incision during surgeries keeping surrounding area, with water depends on sec/cc. PED is the total during the blood and the photoacoustics or rinse if the volume of shock wave energy put surgeries surrounding tissue free according to the appropriate. the cavity and into the volume during from infections. invention shock wave PED. the application. Not to will propagate through be confused with the the surrounding area to energy per pulse or the make sure incision area input power of the power stays clean. delivered to the tip. Perio with Softens and A gel therapeutic is placed Place gel therapeutic on Phase I: Set the n/a ultrasonics removes on the calculus and softens the calculus and use an with ultrasonic on calculus and dissolves it for easier ultrasonic tip to therapeutic a medium during removal acceleration the Phase II: setting. cleanings. softening action. After with water Mjoule calculus is softened use or rinse settings not the ultrasonic tip to appropriate remove the calculus. on ultrasonics. Power dial settings are 20% to 70%. Operating point is around 50% setting. Using Prepares In caries photoacoustics Fill cavity with fluid or Phase I: 7 to 33 PED range: 7 to 150 watt- photoacoustics dental according to the invention build dam around area with mjoules per sec/cc. preferably 9 to according to surfaces in cleans the surface and and fill with fluid. therapeutic cc, preferably 20 watt-sec/cc, most the invention caries and in gives filling agents a Insert photoacoustics Phase II: 7 to 10 preferably 12 watt- to prepare restorative superior surface on which according to the with water mjoules, and sec/cc. PED is the total dental surfaces dentistry for to bond. In restorative invention tip below or rinse if most shock wave energy put for adhesives superior dentistry photoacoustics fluid surface and apply appropriate. preferably 8 into the volume during adhesion. according to the invention photoacoustics mjoules of the application. Not to cleans the surface and according to the liquid. Total be confused with the provides a superior surface invention protocol. value energy per pulse or the for the adhesives to bond. depends on input power of the power the volume of delivered to the tip. the cavity and PED. Using Softens and Therapeutic softens Apply gel therapeutic Phase I: 10 to 300 See note to left photoacoustics removes calculus and in and let sit on calculus with mjoules, according to calculus from combination with to soften calculus. Use therapeutic preferably 15 the invention tooth surfaces photoacoustics according photoacoustics Phase II: to 100 to remove without heavy to the invention action according to the with water mjoules and calculus above scraping with removal is accomplished invention Perio Probe or rinse most and below manual probe with far less scraping of the and photoacoustics preferably 30 gums during or ultrasonic area resulting in less time according to the mjoules for dental scaler. and less damage to the invention action to calculus cleanings and tooth surface. easily knock calculus off removal (not perio of the tooth surface. per cc) and 5 treatments. to 25 mjoules, preferably 10 to 20, and most preferably 15 mjoules for root polishing. Using Makes wine The photoacoustics Before the wine is Only one 7 to 33 PED range: 7 to 500 watt- photoacoustics sulfite free or according to the invention transferred into the phase. mjoules per sec/cc, preferably 9 to 20 according to sulfite shock wave would destroy barrels the wine would cc, preferably watt-sec/cc, most the invention reduced. the bacteria and yeast cells first be transferred into 10 to 100 preferably 12 watt- to remove Many people which is the reason sulfites an intermediate mjoules, most sec/cc. PED is the total bacteria and are allergic to are usually added. photoacoustics preferably 25 shock wave energy put yeast from sulfites and according to the mjoules (tbd) into the volume during wine to get side invention holding tank. of liquid. the application. Not to eliminate or effects after The photoacoustics Total value be confused with the reduce the drinking wine. according to the depends on energy per pulse or the amount of invention protocol the volume of input power of the power sulfites used. would be applied to the the cavity and delivered to the tip. liquid in the holding PED. tank then the tank contents would be transferred into the barrel. This process would be repeated until the barrel was full. Using Removing The photoacoustics A catheter containing Only one 7 to 85 PED range: 7 to 500 watt- photoacoustics plaque and according to the invention photoacoustics phase at mjoules per sec/cc, preferably 20 to according to reducing shock wave can dislodge according to the this time. cc, preferably 300 watt-sec/cc. PED is the invention blockages and and break up items invention tip on the 10 to 50 the total shock wave to break up increasing attached to walls of end of a flexible fiber mjoules and energy put into the plaque in blood flow has vessels. The shock wave optic along with a down most volume during the arteries and a multitude of can expand the vessel as stream filter. The tip is preferably 25 application. Not to be veins. medical well as dislodge the inserted to the area of mjoules (tbd) confused with the energy advantages. plaque. plaque with the filter of liquid. per pulse or the input being downstream to Total value power of the power catch the plaque. The depends on delivered to the tip. laser is fired per the volume of protocol and the plaque the cavity and is collected by the filter. PED. The catheter is then removed and the filter cleaned. Using Breaking up The photoacoustics An radiograph table is Only one 7 to 100 PED range: 7 to 1000 watt- photoacoustics kidney stones according to the invention used to guide the phase at mjoules per sec/cc, preferably 9 to according to seems to be a shock wave has significant catheter to an area this time. cc of liquid. 500 watt-sec/cc. PED is the invention difficult task. percussion forces and can close to the stone. The Total value the total shock wave to break up The be placed fairly close to the laser is fired and the depends on energy put into the kidney stones photoacoustics stone. If the stone can be stone size is monitored the volume of volume during the and other according to broken into smaller pieces on the radiograph. the cavity and application. Not to be blockages in the invention it can pass mush easier Once the stone is of PED. confused with the energy the body. tip on a with less pain. appropriate size to pass per pulse or the input flexible fiber through the urethra, the power of the power optic could be catheter is removed. delivered to the tip. fished up the urethra and placed adjacent to the stone. It might have a special application of being able to break up a stone that has already started down the urethra. Using Bacteria, virus, The photoacoustics A shunt pulls blood from Only one 7 to 85 PED range: 7 to 1000 watt- photoacoustics and fungus according to the invention the body an places it in phase at mjoules per sec/cc, preferably 9 to according to could be shock wave can vibrate and an external this time. cc of liquid. 500 watt-sec/cc. PED the invention removed from lyse the cell walls of the chamber then returns it Total value is the total shock wave in an external the blood in pathogens destroying to the body. This is a depends on energy put into the shunt to purify the external them. closed loop system. the volume of volume during the blood then shunt and While the blood is in the the cavity and application. Not to be return it back returned back chamber a laser applies PED. confused with the energy to the body. to the body the photoacoustics per pulse or the input reducing the according to the power of the power concentration invention protocol to delivered to the tip. of those the blood then the pathogens in blood is returned to the the body. body. The chamber could be a fill and empty cyclic chamber or with more research could be a continuous flow chamber. Photoacoustics Removes Water or therapeutic is Place the Perio Phase I: 10 to 300 N/A according to calculus and dispensed around the photoacoustics with mjoules, the invention treats enclosed photoacoustics according to the therapeutic preferably 15 Perio Probe infections and according to the invention invention Probe into Phase II: to 25 mjoules, bacteria that tip and keeps the tip and the sulcus between the with water and most might be perio pocket immersed in tooth and the gingiva. or rinse preferably 20 difficult to fluid. The photoacoustics Start the flow of water mjoules for treat by other according to the invention or therapeutic and calculus conventional shock wave will emanate move the tip in an removal. methods from the open end of the elliptical motion 5 to 25 tip directly down deeper parallel to the long axis mjoules, and into the perio pocket and of the tooth from preferably 10 will also evolve radially mesial to distal both to 20 mjoules through the slots in the facially and lingually. and most side of the Perio preferably 15 photoacoustics according mjoules for to the invention Probe. root The shock wave will polishing. expand the cavity walls and (Not per cc) disperse therapeutic into crevasses. The shock wave is effective a lysing both bacterial and viral cell walls and destructing biofilm. HZ Pulse Pulse Pulse HZ Sub Operating width Sub Operating Description HZ Range Range Point duration Range Point Disinfect 8 to 20 HZ, 10-15 HZ - 15 HZ 2 micro 2-100 50 Sinus preferably provides provides seconds to micro second- microseconds - Cavities 10-15 HZ, some maximum 300 micr

shock (shock most internal flow flow inside seconds, wave wave preferably inside liquid - the liquid - preferably decreases as increases 15 HZ learned learned 2-100 pulse width as pulse from from micro increases width experience- experience seconds, decreases) not sure most 50 is the why preferably lowest 50 setting microseconds available on most current laser models Cancer 8 to 20 HZ, 10-15 HZ - 15 HZ - 2 micro 2-100 50 preferably provides provides seconds to micro seconds- microseconds - 10-15 HZ, some maximum 300 micr

shock (shock most internal flo

flow inside seconds, wave wave preferably inside liquid

the liquid - preferably decreases as increases 15 HZ learned learned 2-100 pulse width as pulse from from micro increases width experience - experience seconds, decreases) not sure most 50 is the why preferably lowest 50 setting microseconds available on most current laser models Treating 8 to 20 HZ, 10-15 HZ - 15 HZ - 2 micro 2-100 50 dermato- preferably provides provides seconds to micro microseconds - logical 10-15 HZ, some maximum 300 micro seconds - (shock conditions most internal flow inside seconds, shock wave wave preferably flow inside the liquid - preferably decreases increases 15 HZ liquid - learned 2-100 as pulse as pulse learned from micro width width from experience seconds, increases decreases) experience - most 50 is the not sure preferably lowest why 50 setting microseconds available on most current laser models Focused 8 to 20 HZ, 10-15 HZ - 15 HZ - 2 micro 2-100 50 photoacoustics preferably provides provides seconds to micro microseconds - according 10-15 HZ, some maximum 300 micro seconds - (shock to the most internal flow inside seconds, shock wave wave invention preferably flow inside the liquid - preferably decreases increases tip system 15 HZ liquid - learned 2-100 as pulse as pulse learned from micro width width from experience seconds, increases decreases) experience - most 50 is the not sure preferably lowest why 50 setting microseconds available on most current laser models Disinfecting 8 to 20 HZ, 10-15 HZ - 15 HZ - 2 micro 2-100 50 blood preferably provides provides seconds to micro microseconds - during 10-15 HZ, some maximum 300 micro seconds - (shock surgeries most internal flow inside seconds, shock wave wave preferably flow inside the liquid - preferably decreases increases 15 HZ liquid - learned 2-100 as pulse as pulse learned from micro width width from experience seconds, increases decreases) experience - most 50 is the not sure preferably lowest why 50 setting microseconds available on most current laser models Perio with About 20- A fixed A fixed N/a N/a N/a ultrasonics 40 kc function of function of the the ultrasonic ultrasonic equipment equipment being used being used Using 8 to 20 HZ, 10-15 HZ - 15 HZ - 2 micro 2-100 50 photoacoustics preferably provides provides seconds to micro microseconds - according 10-15 HZ, some maximum 300 micro seconds - (shock to the most internal flow inside seconds, shock wave wave invention preferably flow inside the liquid - preferably decreases increases to prepare 15 HZ liquid - learned 2-100 as pulse as pulse dental learned from micro width width surfaces for from experience seconds, increases decreases) adhesives experience - most 50 is the not sure preferably lowest why 50 setting Using 8 to 20 HZ, 10-15 HZ - 15 HZ - 2 micro 2-100 50 photoacoustics preferably provides provides seconds to micro microseconds - according 10-15 HZ, some maximum 300 micro seconds - (shock to the most internal flow inside seconds, shock wave wave invention preferably flow inside the liquid - preferably decreases increases to remove 15 HZ liquid - learned 2-100 as pulse as pulse calculus learned from micro width width above and from experience seconds, increases decreases) below experience - most 50 is the gums not sure preferably lowest during why 50 setting dental microseconds available cleanings on most and perio current treatments. laser models Using 8 to 20 HZ, 10-15 HZ - 15 HZ - 2 micro 2-100 50 photoacoustics preferably provides provides seconds to micro microseconds - according 10-15 HZ, some maximum 300 micro seconds - (shock to the most internal flow inside seconds, shock wave wave invention preferably flow inside the liquid - preferably decreases increases to remove 15 HZ liquid - learned 2-100 as pulse as pulse bacteria learned from micro width width and yeast from experience seconds, increases decreases) from wine experience - most 50 is the to not sure preferably lowest eliminate why 50 setting or reduce microseconds available the amount on most of sulfites current used. laser models Using 8 to 20 HZ, 10-15 HZ - 15 HZ - 2 micro 2-100 50 photoacoustics preferably provides provides seconds to micro microseconds - according 10-15 HZ, some maximum 300 micro seconds - (shock to the most internal flow inside seconds, shock wave wave invention preferably flow inside the liquid - preferably decreases increases to break up 15 HZ liquid - learned 2-100 as pulse as pulse plaque in learned from micro width width arteries and from experience seconds, increases decreases) veins. experience - most 50 is the not sure preferably lowest why 50 setting Using 8 to 20 HZ, 10-15 HZ - 15 HZ - 2 micro 2-100 50 photoacoustics preferably provides provides seconds to micro microseconds - according 10-15 HZ, some maximum 300 micro seconds - (shock to the most internal flow inside seconds, shock wave wave invention preferably flow inside the liquid - preferably decreases increases to break up 15 HZ liquid - learned 2-100 as pulse as pulse kidney learned from micro width width stones and from experience seconds, increases decreases) other experience - most 50 is the blockages not sure preferably lowest in the body. why 50 setting microseconds available on most current laser models Using 8 to 20 HZ, 10-15 HZ - 15 HZ - 2 micro 2-100 50 photoacoustics preferably provides provides seconds to micro microseconds - according 10-15 HZ, some maximum 300 micro seconds - (shock to the most internal flow inside seconds, shock wave wave invention preferably flow inside the liquid - preferably decreases increases in an 15 HZ liquid - learned 2-100 as pulse as pulse external learned from micro width width shunt to from experience seconds, increases decreases) purify experience - most 50 is the blood then not sure preferably lowest return it why 50 setting back to the microseconds available body. on most current laser models Photoacoustics 2 to 40 HZ, 10 to 20 HZ 15 HZ 2 micro 2 micro 50 micro according to preferably for calculus (better seconds to seconds to seconds or the 10-20 HZ, removal. flow), 40 HZ 300 micro 150 micro less invention most 35 to 45 HZ for seconds, seconds. (currently Perio Probe preferably for root polishing. preferably most lasers 15 HZ for polishing. 2-100 will only go calculus micro to 50 removal. seconds, microseconds) 30 to 45 most HZ, preferably preferably 50 35-45, microseconds most preferably 40 for root polishing. Sub Power Range Range - Application operating Description Watts Period Tip Sizes point Therapeutic Disinfect Depends on 30 seconds 400 Depends H2O2, Sinus volume of on, 30 microns to on Chlorhexidine, Cavities liquid, PED, seconds off, 2500 application betadine, water and other repeat microns and and other parameters three times. cavity size solutions Same for containing both phase I hydroxyl and II. groups. Chlorine Dioxide, Calcium Hypochlorite, Sodium Hypochlorite, Oregano, Garlic Zinc, Clove, nano solutions, etc. Cancer Depends on 30 seconds 400 Depends Sodium volume of on, 30 microns to on Bicarbonate, liquid, PED, seconds off, 2500 application chemo and other repeat ten microns and therapeutics parameters. times. cavity size used in You do not Same for Oncology, want to both phase I H2O2, significantly and II. Chlorhexidine, burn the betadine, area. water, and other solutions containing hydroxyl groups. Chlorine Dioxide, Calcium Hypochlorite, Sodium Hypochlorite, Oregano, Garlic, Zinc, Clove, nano solutions, etc. Treating Depends on 30 seconds 400 Depends H2O2, dermato- volume of on, 30 microns to on Chlorhexidine, logical liquid, PED, seconds 2500 application betadine, conditions and other off, repeat microns and water, and parameters. three cavity other solutions times. size. 600 containing Same for to 800 hydroxyl both phase typical. groups. I and II. Focused Depends on Phase I: 30 400 Depends Depends on photoacoustics volume of seconds microns to on condition according liquid, PED, per cup 2500 application being treated. to the and other stationary microns and H2O2, invention parameters. position, cavity Chlorhexidine, tip system then index size. 400 betadine, cup one to 800 water, and cup typical. other solutions diameter containing and repeat hydroxyl 30 second groups, cycle. hypochlorite, Repeat HCL, Chlorine over the Dioxide, area up to Calcium six times. Hypochlorite, Phase II: If Aloe Vera, needed, Oregano, Clove, repeat etc. Phase I protocol with water or a rinse fluid Disinfecting Depends on 30 secs on, 400 Depends Depends on blood volume of 30 seconds microns to on condition during liquid, PED, off, repeat 2500 method being treated. surgeries and other three microns and H2O2, parameters. times. equipment Chlorhexidine, Same for used. betadine, both phase water, and I and II. other solutions containing hydroxyl groups, hypochlorite, HCL, Chlorine Dioxide, Calcium Hypochlorite, Aloe Vera, Oregano, Clove, etc. Perio with Depends on 30 sec per Ultrasonic H2O2, ultrasonics hardware. tooth standard Chlorhexidine, Ultrasonics average probes. betadine, are usually water, and set at other solutions between containing 30% and hydroxyl 70% power. groups. Alcohol, Chlorine Dioxide, Calcium Hypochlorite, Sodium Hypochlorite, Oregano, Garlic, Zinc, Clove, nano solutions, etc. Using Depends on 30 secs on, 400 Depends H2O2, water, photoacoustics volume of 30 seconds microns to on Calcium according liquid, PED, off, repeat 800 application Hypochlorite, to the and other three microns and Sodium invention parameters. times. cavity size Hypochlorite, to prepare Same for Acetic acid, dental both phase other acidic surfaces for I and II. fluids adhesives Using Depends on 20-30 400 Depends H2O2, photoacoustics volume of seconds microns to on Chlorhexidine, according liquid, PED, per side of 1200 application betadine, to the and other each tooth microns. and water, and invention parameters. Preferred is cavity size other solutions to remove a containing calculus photoacoustics hydroxyl above and according groups. below to the Chlorine gums invention Dioxide, during Perio Probe Calcium dental with 400 to Hypochlorite, cleanings 600 tip. Sodium and perio Hypochlorite, treatments. Oregano, Garlic, Zinc, Clove, nano solutions, etc. Using Depends on Could be 400 Depends Bacteria is photoacoustics volume of continuous microns to on killed by the according liquid, PED, unless 2400 application photoacoustics to the and other some off microns and according to invention parameters. time was (could be cavity size the invention to remove needed for larger). shock wave bacteria laser lysing the cell and yeast cooling. walls of the from wine bacteria and to yeast. In this eliminate case or reduce therapeutics the amount may not be of sulfites needed. Small used. amount of sulfite or other therapeutic could be used to enhance the process. Using Depends on 30 secs on, 200 to 1200 Depends EDTA or other photoacoustics volume of 30 seconds microns on therapeutics according liquid, PED, off, repeat application could be used to the and other three and in conjunction invention parameters. times. location. with the to break up Could also 200 to photoacoustics plaque in run 500 according to arteries and constantly typical. the invention veins. for 90 action. seconds. Using Depends on 30 secs on, 200 to 1200 Depends EDTA or other photoacoustics volume of 30 seconds microns on therapeutics according liquid, PED, off, repeat application could be used to the and other three and in conjunction invention parameters. times. pathway with the to break up Could also in. photoacoustics kidney run according to stones and constantly the invention other for 90 action. blockages seconds. in the body. Continue until stones are of desired size. Using Depends on 30 secs on, 200 Depends A mild photoacoustics volume of 30 seconds microns to on antibacterial according liquid, PED, off, repeat 2400 application therapeutic to the and other three microns and could be invention parameters. times. (could be cavity size added at the in an Could also larger). chamber to be external run used in shunt to constantly conjunction purify for 90 with the blood then seconds. photoacoustics return it according to back to the the invention body. action. Photoacoustics Power is 20 to 60 200 H2O2, according to from 0.02 sec microns to Chlorhexidine, the to 12 watts. applications 800 betadine, invention Power is per side microns. water, and Perio Probe higher of the Prefer 600 other solutions because it tooth, but may containing may require repeat four have to use hydroxyl more power to six times 400 to fit groups. since the tip with at into Alcohol, is least 30 photoacoustics Chlorine encased in seconds according Dioxide, a metal between to the Calcium shroud. applications. invention Hypochlorite, Same for Perio Probe Sodium both phase sheath. Hypochlorite, I and II. Oregano, Garlic, Zinc, Clove, nano solutions, etc.

indicates data missing or illegible when filed 

1. A laser system for treating a root canal in a tooth prepared for treatment by forming an opening in a crown portion thereof and removing pulp from a pulp chamber in the crown and from an associated root canal to provide a space extending from the pulp chamber into the root canal and disposing a liquid medium in the space so as to fill at least part of the space extending into the root canal with the liquid medium, the system comprising a source of a laser light beam pulses and an elongate optical fiber tip having a proximal end operably connected to said source and configured to transmit said laser light beam pulses from the source along its length to a distal end portion thereof, said optical fiber tip being dimensioned to enable the tip to be inserted into the tooth through the opening so as to dispose its tip end down into the liquid medium and to cause laser light beam pulses to be emitted from the tip end generally omnidirectionally into liquid medium in the canal adjacent the tip to provide photoaccoustic waves in the liquid medium having a sufficient intensity to disintegrate pulp in the canal without raising the temperature of adjacent tooth structure by an amount sufficient to cause substantial damage thereto.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the elongate optical fiber contains cladding in the form of a continuous sheath being disposed adjacent its outer surface to limit escape of laser light energy from the fiber, the sheath extending from adjacent the proximal end of the fiber generally along at least a substantial portion of its length to a terminus edge of the sheath disposed adjacent the tip end of the fiber so the surface of the tip end of the optical fiber is uncovered to enable emission of laser light pulses therefrom into adjacent liquid medium in the canal generally omnidirectionally as aforesaid.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the optical fiber tip is generally cylindrical in shape along its length and its tip end includes a tapered portion having a generally conical outer surface from which laser light pulses are emitted into adjacent liquid medium in the canal generally omnidirectionally as aforesaid.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the tapered portion tapers at an angle of from about 30 to about 36 degrees in relation to a circumferential wall of the optical fiber tip.
 5. The system of claim 3, wherein the optical fiber tip has a diameter sufficiently small to fit within a root canal without displacing substantially all the liquid medium therefrom, and large enough to carry sufficient laser light energy to accomplish the desired treatment in the canal.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the distal tip end of the optical fiber tip tapers along a generally conical wall to an apex.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the fiber optic has a length sufficient to extend into a root canal from the connection to the laser source outside the tooth to a depth within the canal so as to immerse its distal end beneath the level of liquid medium, substantially filling at least the canal.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the fiber optic tip comprises quartz.
 9. A system for treating a tooth having a crown portion containing a pulp chamber that communicates with an associated elongate root canal in a root extending into a gum adjacent the tooth to support the tooth in the mouth, the pulp chamber and root canal comprising pulp including nerve and other tissue extending from the pulp chamber into the root canal, wherein the tooth has been prepared for treatment by making an opening in the crown portion enabling access to the pulp chamber and associated root canal from outside the tooth and by removing at least part of the pulp therein to provide a space in the pulp chamber extending into the root canal and accessible from outside the tooth through the opening, the system comprising: a liquid medium for being disposed in the first and second portions of the space in wetting contact with pulp adjacent said space and in a volume sufficient to establish an immersion level adjacent the pulp chamber; an elongate optical fiber tip having a proximal end operably connectable to a source of laser light energy and configured to admit laser light energy from said source into said proximal end of said tip and to conduct said laser light along the length of said tip to a distal tip end thereof, said optical fiber tip dimensioned to be inserted through the opening in the crown portion into said space sufficient to cause its tip end to be immersed in the liquid medium to a position below the immersion level; and a source of pulsed laser light energy for generating pulses of laser light energy into said optical fiber tip as aforesaid, the tip end of the fiber optic being configured to cause laser light energy conducted along the length of the tip to be emitted in pulses from the tip end generally omnidirectionally into liquid medium adjacent the tip end in the space so as to induce formation of photoaccoustic waves propagating through liquid in the space and having an intensity sufficient to cause disintegration of pulp adjacent the space in wetted contact with the liquid medium and release of the same into admixture with the liquid medium.
 10. A system for treating root canal and periodontal conditions, the system comprising: a liquid medium containing hydroxyl ions for being dispensed into an open space in a root canal or in periodontal space adjacent periodontal tissue; a source of pulsed laser light for applying an activating energy to the liquid medium in the space in the root canal or periodontal space in order to activate the liquid medium to thereby disintegrate unwanted tissue and material adjacent said spaces and in wetted contact with the liquid medium; an elongate optical fiber tip having a proximal end operably connected to the laser source and having an a distal tip end dimensioned so that pulsed light from the laser source is transmitted into and through the optical fiber tip for being emitted into the liquid medium in the spaces to induce a succession of photoacoustic waves propagating through said liquid medium and of sufficient intensity to cause disintegration of the aforesaid unwanted tissue and material; and said distal end of said optical fiber having a tapered shape so as to induce emission of laser light from the tip end generally omnidirectionally into liquid medium adjacent the tip end.
 11. The system according to claim 10 wherein the application tip tapers from a circumference of the laser fiber optic to an apex with a surrounding conical wall.
 12. The system according to claim 10 wherein the application tip tapers at an angle of from about 30 degrees to about 36 degrees.
 13. A laser system for treating a root canal in a tooth prepared for treatment by forming an opening in a crown portion thereof and removing pulp from a pulp chamber in the crown and from an associated root canal to provide a space extending from the pulp chamber into the root canal and disposing a liquid medium in the space so as to fill at least part of the space extending into the root canal with the liquid medium, the system comprising a source of a laser light beam pulses and an elongate optical fiber tip having a proximal end operably connected to said source and configured to transmit said laser light beam pulses from the source along its length to a distal end portion thereof, said optical fiber tip being dimensioned to enable the tip to be inserted into the tooth through the opening so as to dispose its tip end down into the liquid medium and to cause laser light beam pulses to be emitted from the tip end generally omnidirectionally into liquid medium in the canal adjacent the tip to provide photoaccoustic waves in the liquid medium having a sufficient intensity to disintegrate pulp in the canal without raising the temperature of adjacent tooth structure by an amount sufficient to cause substantial damage thereto.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the elongate optical fiber contains cladding in the form of a continuous sheath being disposed adjacent its outer surface to limit escape of laser light energy from the fiber, the sheath extending from adjacent the proximal end of the fiber generally along at least a substantial portion of its length to a terminus edge of the sheath disposed adjacent the tip end of the fiber so the surface of the tip end of the optical fiber is uncovered to enable emission of laser light pulses therefrom into adjacent liquid medium in the canal generally omnidirectionally as aforesaid.
 15. The system of claim 13, wherein the optical fiber tip is generally cylindrical in shape along its length and its tip end includes a tapered portion having a generally conical outer surface from which laser light pulses are emitted into adjacent liquid medium in the canal generally omnidirectionally as aforesaid.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the tapered portion tapers at an angle of from about 30 to about 36 degrees in relation to a circumferential wall of the optical fiber tip.
 17. The system of claim 15, wherein the optical fiber tip has a diameter sufficiently small to fit within a root canal without displacing substantially all the liquid medium therefrom, and large enough to carry sufficient laser light energy to accomplish the desired treatment in the canal.
 18. The system of claim 13, wherein the distal tip end of the optical fiber tip tapers along a generally conical wall to an apex.
 19. The system of claim 13, wherein the fiber optic has a length sufficient to extend into a root canal from the connection to the laser source outside the tooth to a depth within the canal so as to immerse its distal end beneath the level of liquid medium, substantially filling at least the canal.
 20. The system of claim 13, wherein the optical fiber tip comprises quartz.
 21. A system for treating a tooth having a crown and one or more roots extending from the crown into a gum adjacent the tooth to support the tooth in the mouth, the crown containing a pulp chamber that communicates with an associated elongate root canal in a diseased root in need of treatment, the pulp chamber and diseased root canal containing pulp that extends generally continuously from the root canal into the pulp chamber and which includes necrotic material and associated pathology, wherein the tooth has been prepared for treatment by making an opening in the crown portion enabling access to the pulp chamber and associated root canal from outside the tooth and by extirpating at least part of the pulp therein to provide a space in the pulp chamber extending into the root canal and accessible from outside the tooth through the opening, the system comprising: a liquid medium for being placed in the space in wetting contact with pulp adjacent said space; an elongate optical fiber tip having a proximal end operably connectable to a source of laser light equipped to emit a succession of laser light pulses, a proximal end of the optical fiber tip being configured to admit the succession of laser light pulses from the source into its proximal end and to conduct the pulses of laser light along its length to a distal end thereof, the tip being dimensioned for insertion through the opening in the crown portion into the space sufficient to cause its distal tip end to be immersed in the liquid medium; and the distal end of the optical fiber tip being shaped to cause the succession of pulses of laser light to be emitted from the distal end generally omnidirectionally into liquid medium adjacent the tip end in the space so as to induce formation of a corresponding succession of photoaccoustic waves propagating through the liquid medium in the space and having an intensity sufficient to cause disintegration of pulp immersed in the liquid medium adjacent the distal end and so as to release the disintegrated pulp including necrotic material and associated pathology into admixture with the liquid medium for being withdrawn from the space for disposal outside the tooth.
 22. A system for treating root canal and periodontal conditions, the system comprising: a liquid medium containing hydroxyl ions for being dispensed into an open space in a root canal or in periodontal space adjacent periodontal tissue; a source of pulsed laser light for applying an activating energy to the liquid medium in the space in the root canal or periodontal space in order to activate the liquid medium to thereby disintegrate unwanted tissue and material adjacent said spaces and in wetted contact with the liquid medium; an elongate optical fiber tip having a proximal end operably connected to the laser source and having an a distal tip end dimensioned so that pulsed light from the laser source is transmitted into and through the optical fiber tip for being emitted into the liquid medium in the spaces to induce a succession of photoacoustic waves propagating through said liquid medium and of sufficient intensity to cause disintegration of the aforesaid unwanted tissue and material; and said distal end of said optical fiber having a tapered shape so as to induce emission of laser light from the tip end generally omnidirectionally into liquid medium adjacent the tip end.
 23. The system according to claim 22, wherein the optical fiber is cylindrical and its distal end is tapered from a cylindrical wall of the laser fiber optic to an apex, the taper being defined by a generally conical wall.
 24. The system according to claim 23, wherein the apex includes a pointed end terminus of the conical wall and of the tip itself.
 25. The system according to claim 22, wherein the application tip tapers at an angle of from about 30 degrees to about 36 degrees.
 26. The system according to claim 22, wherein the liquid medium contains hydroxyl ions. 